Network Switch Backup Power Supply Link Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network switch devices rely on unreliable relays to address power failures, which can cause link down events, data loss, and violate cable length distance requirements, especially when nodes participate in Spanning Tree Protocol.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a backup power supply and power monitoring system within the network switch device to ensure continuous operation of the active component, eliminating the need for relays and maintaining link integrity during power failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If relays are used to bypass the switch module during power failure, then packet transmission can be maintained, but the system reliability deteriorates due to link down events and Spanning Tree Protocol re-configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The backup power supply performs preliminary action by being pre-configured and ready to activate immediately upon power failure detection. The power monitoring system continuously monitors power status and triggers the backup supply before complete power loss occurs, preventing link down events and maintaining Spanning Tree Protocol stability while ensuring continuous packet transmission through the switch module.
2Ease of operation
If relays are used to directly couple communicating nodes during power failure, then packet forwarding can occur, but the cable length distance requirement is violated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the power supply function from the relay approach and maintains it within the network switch device. By keeping the switch module powered through backup power supply, the active component continues to perform packet forwarding while maintaining proper cable length distance relationships, eliminating the need to directly couple nodes which would violate distance requirements.
3Productivity
If relays are used as the only solution for power failure, then packet transmission can be maintained, but the system complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The network switch device performs self-service by incorporating an internal backup power supply and power monitoring system that automatically detects power failures and activates backup power without external intervention. This eliminates the need for complex external relay configurations and manual switching, reducing device complexity while maintaining continuous packet transmission.
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
The solution provides reliable packet switching and processing even during power outages, supports high-speed signals, and adheres to cable length distance requirements, preventing link down events and Spanning Tree Protocol re-configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a backup power supply for supplying power to the active component when the active component does not receive power from the power supply
Data Source
AI summary
A network switch apparatus includes a housing, a first network port, a second network port, a first instrument port, an active component inside the housing, wherein the active component is configured to receive packets from the first network port, and pass at least some of the packets from the first network port to the first instrument port, a connector for supplying power from a power supply to the active component, and a backup power supply for supplying power to the active component when the active component does not receive power from the power supply.