RFID Reader Module for Passive Network Tap Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passive network taps, which do not require a power source, are difficult to manage and diagnose in live networks as they are invisible to existing management systems, making it challenging to determine their presence, location, and other relevant information.
Innovation Solution
The use of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, where each passive network tap is associated with an RFID tag containing relevant information, and an RFID reader module with directional antennas reads this data, providing it to a management system without requiring the taps to have direct communication capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive network taps are deployed for monitoring networks, then network monitoring capability is improved, but visibility to management systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An RFID reader module is introduced as an intermediary component within the chassis to detect RFID tags on passive network taps. This mediator enables the management system to obtain information about passive taps without requiring the taps themselves to have active communication capabilities, thus resolving the visibility problem while maintaining passivity of the taps.
2Device complexity
If passive network taps are used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each passive network tap includes an RFID tag that automatically provides identification and location information when detected by the RFID reader. This self-service mechanism allows the management system to automatically track and manage passive taps without requiring manual registration or configuration, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining device simplicity.
3Loss of information
If RFID readers are added to chassis, then information about passive taps is obtained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID reader module serves multiple functions: it detects RFID tags on passive network taps, determines slot locations, and provides information to the management system. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional component, the increase in device complexity is minimized while achieving comprehensive information gathering about passive taps.
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 efficient location and identification of passive network taps within a chassis, allowing for their management without the need for additional power or communication modules, facilitating easier troubleshooting and inventory management.
Implementation Method 1
a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader module comprising one or more RFID readers located within the enclosure, wherein the one or more RFID readers are configured to read data stored in RFID tags associated with one or more unpowered network taps
Data Source
AI summary
According to one system, the system includes a chassis defining an enclosure and containing one or more slots. The system further includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader module comprising at least one processor and one or more RFID readers located within the enclosure, wherein the one or more RFID readers are configured to read data stored in RFID tags associated with one or more unpowered network taps. The RFID reader module is configured to receive, from a first RFID reader associated with a first slot of the chassis, information regarding a first unpowered network tap in the first slot, to determine, using a known location of the first RFID reader, a slot identifier associated with the first unpowered network tap, wherein the slot identifier indicates that the first unpowered network tap is in the first slot, and to provide the information and the slot identifier to a management system.