Unidirectional Data Transfer via Parallel Physical Diodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current unidirectional data transmission systems, such as data diodes, face challenges with low data throughput and inability to correct data files after reception, particularly when transmitting between networks with different security levels, leading to reduced bandwidth and potential data losses due to saturation of receiving buffers.

Innovation Solution

The method involves transmitting data in numbered packets over multiple parallel channels protected by physical diodes, introducing a time offset between redundant information, and using packet numbering to reconstruct files at the receiver, with priority given to reading packets and selective retransmission of missing blocks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If data is transmitted through a single unidirectional channel, then security is maintained, but data throughput is reduced and bandwidth is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddata throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the data transmission into multiple parallel unidirectional channels (N channels where N≥2). Each channel transmits packets independently, allowing the system to maintain the security benefits of unidirectional transmission while increasing overall throughput through parallel data flow paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single-dimensional transmission path to a multi-dimensional parallel channel architecture. By adding the dimension of parallelism with N independent unidirectional channels, the system achieves both high security (maintaining unidirectional constraints) and high throughput (utilizing multiple simultaneous transmission paths).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of time

If packets are transmitted as soon as they arrive, then latency is reduced, but data loss may occur due to receiving buffer saturation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovelatencyVSAvoiddata loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving window implements preliminary buffer allocation and packet numbering schemes before data arrival. Packets are pre-numbered and buffer spaces are pre-allocated, allowing the system to rapidly accept incoming packets without processing delays while maintaining the ability to detect and handle packet loss through the numbering mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements a feedback mechanism where the receiving window monitors packet reception status using packet numbers. When packets are lost or buffers become saturated, the system can identify missing packets through numbering gaps and trigger selective retransmission requests, creating a closed-loop control system that balances speed and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If redundant information is transmitted over multiple channels, then data loss is prevented, but bandwidth is divided and throughput is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata loss preventionVSAvoidbandwidth utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transmits copies of data packets across N parallel unidirectional channels simultaneously. Each channel carries redundant copies of the same data, ensuring that if one channel experiences packet loss or saturation, the data can be recovered from another channel without requiring bandwidth division or reducing overall throughput.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach increases data throughput while maintaining security, allowing for efficient transmission of large files like satellite images and reducing latency by transmitting packets as soon as they arrive, with selective retransmission of only missing data, thereby improving overall system performance.

Implementation Method 1

This is a transmission channel whose support is an optical fiber, this component being adapted so that the signal can only physically pass in one direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical fiber transmission: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

an optical diode 11 providing a unidirectional transmission channel between the transmitting window 10 and the receiving window 12

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical data diode unidirectional transmission: Diode

Data Source

PatentEP2885899B1Device and method for unidirectional data transfer
Publication Date: 2019.08.14 AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE SAS
  • EP2885899B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2885899B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4b
  • EP2885899B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention concerns a method for unidirectional data transfer between a first so-called open network and a second so-called protected network, said method being used to transfer data from a transmitter terminal (10) connected to the open network to a receiver terminal (12) connected to the protected network, via at least one transmission path comprising a physical data diode (11). The method comprises: - a step of transmitting a file being received from the transmitter terminal (10) to the receiver terminal (12), packet by packet, upon arrival of said packets at the transmitter terminal, and of using the numbering of packets to reconstruct the file at the receiver terminal, - a step of transmitting the data to be transmitted, on N (N>=2) parallel transmission paths, each protected by a physical diode, and a step of receiving the received data by the receiver terminal, in N buffer memories.