Pluggable Optoelectronic Module Network Tap Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network TAPs are often expensive, bulky, and insufficiently distributed, leading to the need for breaking network links to access data in complex networks, which is undesirable and increases potential failure points.
Innovation Solution
Traffic Access Ports (TAPs) that plug directly into pluggable optoelectronic modules, such as SFP transceiver ports, allowing for removability and integration with optical transceivers to provide access to network data without disrupting links, enabling widespread installation across networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional network TAPs are used, then network data can be accessed without breaking links, but the TAPs are expensive and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The TAP is nested within the pluggable optoelectronic module, with the TAP functionality integrated into the module structure. The module contains both the optical transceiver components and the TAP coupling elements, allowing the TAP to be housed within the existing module form factor rather than being a separate external device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the optical transceiver functionality and TAP functionality into a single integrated pluggable module. The module merges the transmitter/receiver optical components with the optical couplers and signal splitting functionality, eliminating the need for separate conventional TAP devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional TAPs are deployed throughout the network, then comprehensive data access is achieved, but the number of potential failure points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pluggable module serves multiple functions: it acts as both the optical transceiver for the network link and the TAP for data extraction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate TAP devices, reducing the total number of components and potential failure points while maintaining comprehensive data access capability.
3Ease of operation
If TAPs are placed inline in network links, then network data can be diverted for analysis, but the network link connectivity may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The optical coupler acts as an intermediary element that passes optical signals from the network link through the TAP functionality while maintaining the original signal path. The coupler enables signal extraction for analysis without creating a disruption or break in the network link connectivity.
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
Enables cost-effective and flexible access to network data across all communication ports, reducing the need for link disruption and potential failure points, while maintaining network connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical path configured to relay optical signals between the transceiver port and the link port
Implementation Method 2
a first coupler configured to receive the first optical signal from the transceiver port and split the first optical signal such that a first portion of the first optical signal is relayed to a TAP port and a second portion of the first optical signal is relayed to the link port
Implementation Method 3
a second coupler configured to receive the second optical signal from the link port and split the second optical signal such that a first portion of the second optical signal is relayed to the TAP port and a second portion of the second optical signal is relayed to the transceiver port
Data Source
AI summary
A network TAP that provides access to data communicated in a network. The TAP includes a first port for connecting to a pluggable optoelectronic module such as an optical transceiver, a link port for connecting to an optical link configured to receive and send data to the optical transceiver, and a TAP port for relaying diverted optical data to a storage and/or analyzing device. Couplers are used to split the optical signals entering the TAP from the first port and/or the link port such that a useable portion of the optical signal(s) can be stored and/or analyzed. The TAP also includes optical devices for relaying optical signals between components in the TAP.