Passive Listen-Only Phy for Zero Packet Loss Network Taps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network taps are susceptible to power loss and faults, leading to data loss and network disruption, especially in high-speed data communication systems, due to the presence of active components that can cause packet loss and user awareness of data access.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of passive full-duplex bidirectional Zero Packet Loss (ZPL) network taps that eliminate active components in the communication path, ensuring continuous data flow even in the event of power loss or faults, by using signal separators and listen-only Physical Interface Devices (Phy) to monitor data streams without affecting network operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active components (relays, powered Phys) are used in network taps to enable data monitoring, then data access capability is improved, but susceptibility to power loss and faults increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes active components (relays, powered Phys) from the data path and extracts only the essential passive signal separation functionality. The solution uses passive T-couplers and unpowered listen-only Phys to separate monitor and data paths without requiring power, thereby eliminating power loss susceptibility while maintaining data monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces passive T-couplers as intermediary devices that split the data signal into monitor and data paths without requiring active components. These passive couplers act as mediators that enable signal separation and monitoring functionality without introducing power-dependent elements into the critical data path.
2Reliability
If relays are used to redirect signal flow for monitoring, then data capture capability is improved, but data loss during power interruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts relays from the signal path and replaces them with passive T-couplers that continuously pass data in both directions without requiring power. This eliminates the mechanism that causes packet loss during power interruptions while maintaining the ability to redirect signals for monitoring purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous data flow by using passive components that operate without power interruptions. The passive T-couplers and listen-only Phys maintain continuous monitoring capability regardless of power status, eliminating the start-stop operation caused by relay power cycles and ensuring no packet loss during power transitions.
3Ease of operation
If powered Physical Interface Devices are used in taps, then monitoring functionality is improved, but user awareness of data access increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes powered Phys from the monitoring path and extracts only the essential signal reception functionality. The solution uses unpowered listen-only Phys that can receive and monitor data without transmitting or negotiating, thereby eliminating auto-negotiation disruptions while maintaining monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a passive copy of the data signal for monitoring purposes using listen-only Phys that receive data without affecting the original data flow. These devices create monitoring copies without active participation in the network communication, eliminating disruptions caused by powered device interactions.
Data Source
AI summary
A receive or listen only Physical Interface Device (Phy). The receive or listen only Phy is configured to have a front end configured to only receive data from a communications network. The receive only Phy may be implemented a part of a tap device including a first network port for receiving a first network signal having a first format; a receive only Phy for converting the first network signal into a second signal format; and a transmit and receive Phy for receiving the first network signal in the second signal format and converting it into the first signal format.