Plug connector housing having a data diode for electronic data lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data networks require complex hardware modifications to implement data diodes, limiting flexibility and ease of configuration.
Innovation Solution
A plug connector housing with integrated data diodes that allow for flexible configuration by replacing only one conventional plug connector, enabling unidirectional data flow without altering network node hardware, and featuring configurable modes and protocols through software emulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data diodes are implemented in the hardware of individual network nodes, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but device complexity and ease of configuration worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the plug connector with integrated data diode) that mediates between network nodes. This connector contains the data diode functionality, acting as a mediator that enforces unidirectional data flow without requiring modification of the network nodes themselves. The intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by centralizing the security function in a dedicated component rather than distributing complexity across all nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The data diode functionality is extracted from the network nodes and placed into a separate plug connector. This extraction removes the complexity of implementing data diodes within each network node's hardware, while still providing the security function. The connector can be simply plugged into existing network infrastructure without altering the nodes.
2Reliability
If data diodes are implemented in the hardware of individual network nodes, then unidirectional data flow is ensured, but ease of operation and flexibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The plug connector design allows dynamic configuration of data flow direction. The connector can be oriented in different directions or replaced to change which node sends data and which receives data. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by allowing the unidirectional constraint to be configured flexibly depending on security requirements, rather than being fixed in hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug connector serves multiple functions: it provides physical connection, enforces unidirectional data flow, and allows flexible configuration of security policies. By making the connector universal and multi-functional, the system achieves both reliable unidirectional data flow and operational flexibility without requiring separate components for each function.
3Reliability
If conventional plug connectors are replaced to implement data diodes, then security is improved, but ease of manufacture and deployment worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data diode functionality with the plug connector into a single integrated component. This combination means that the security function is built-in rather than requiring separate installation steps. The merged design simplifies manufacturing and deployment because the security feature is part of the connector itself, eliminating the need for separate data diode installation or complex integration processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug connector housing for electronic data lines, comprising a data diode integrated into the plug connector housing.