SFP Network Identification Device Integrating SoC for Compact Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network demarcation devices (NIDs) are bulky, require external power, and are costly to install and maintain, making them inefficient for monitoring network health and service delivery between service providers and customers.

Innovation Solution

The development of a Small Form Factor (SFP) Network Identification Device (NID) that integrates NID functionality into an SFP module, utilizing internal power and minimizing size, enabling cost-effective, self-installable, and space-efficient network monitoring with features like OAM, media conversion, and in-band management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional NID devices are used, then network monitoring and management functions are provided, but the devices are bulky and require external power supply

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork monitoring capabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the NID functionality with an SFP module by integrating a SoC chip that includes CPU, MAC, and PHY functions into a single compact unit. This merging of demarcation device functions with the existing SFP form factor eliminates the need for separate bulky NID hardware while maintaining all necessary network monitoring and management capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The SFP-NID module is designed to perform multiple functions including OAM operations, media conversion, rate adaptation, policing, shaping, and in-band management all within a single device. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required separate dedicated NID hardware, achieving space reduction while maintaining comprehensive network monitoring capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional NID devices are used, then network health monitoring is achieved, but external power supply is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection monitoring capabilityVSAvoidpower supply requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The SFP-NID module is designed to be self-powered by drawing electrical power from the host equipment through the existing SFP power interface. This eliminates the need for external power adapters or separate power supplies, as the module serves itself by utilizing the power already available at the host device where it is installed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If traditional NID devices are used, then service delivery monitoring is provided, but installation and maintenance costs are high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice monitoring capabilityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The SFP-NID module adopts the economical SFP form factor which is designed for cost-effective deployment and replacement. By using this standardized, mass-producible module format rather than custom-built NID devices, the patent reduces manufacturing, inventory, shipment, and installation costs while maintaining full service monitoring capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Adaptability or versatility

If traditional NID devices are used, then demarcation function is provided, but space requirements are excessive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedemarcation functionalityVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The NID functionality is nested within the SFP module by integrating the SoC chip containing CPU, MAC, and PHY functions into the compact SFP form factor. This nesting approach allows the demarcation device to reside within the existing optical module housing, minimizing the space required for installation while maintaining full demarcation and network monitoring functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS8982726B2Network device

Publication Date: 2015.03.17 RAD DATA COMMUNICATIONS

AI summary

In this disclosure, we have the following examples and teachings: (1) Integrating the NID functionality in to the small foot-print of an SFP Module, with one or more of the features below: a) Mounting a NID SoC IC to an existing SFP Printed Circuit Board (PCB); b) Using the power from the SFP module, without requiring separate external power; c) NID SoC having only 2 ports, each with its own MAC and possibly PHY layer; d) NID SoC having an embedded microprocessor, RAM and ROM; e) Running a Web portal or other remote login and management software on the NID SoC; f) Miniaturizing the NID to make it cheaper, with reduced cost of inventory, shipment, and installation; and/or g) Supporting one or more (multiple) of the following functions in NID SoC: OAM, Media conversion, Rate adaptation, Policing & marking, Shaping, SLA performance monitoring, Statistics collection, Header manipulation, Security, and/or In-band management. (2) Building the NID functionality in a Dongle that hangs off an Electrical Ethernet port that supports POE (Power over Ethernet), with one or more of the features below: a) Similar to SFP-NID, but hanging off an Electrical Ethernet port; and/or b) Using the power from the Ethernet port POE, without requiring separate external power.