Virtual Interface for High-Speed Network Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Personal computers and workstations, used for network testing, monitoring, and analysis, lack the capabilities and features of network testing systems, such as supporting high-speed protocols and protocols like 10 Gigabit Ethernet, SONET, and IEEE 802 Ethernet standards, which are typically found in dedicated network devices.
Innovation Solution
A network testing system that includes a client computer with mirror client software and network cards capable of supporting high-speed protocols, allowing the client computer to transparently access and utilize the capabilities of network devices, effectively emulating a network device installed within the client computer, enabling communication at speeds up to 10 Gbps and supporting various protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If personal computers are used for network testing, then ease of operation is improved, but device capabilities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows a personal computer to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a standard workstation for general tasks while simultaneously functioning as a network testing system with high-speed protocol capabilities through the virtual device interface. The PC gains universal access to both standard and specialized network testing functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
A virtual device interface acts as an intermediary between the personal computer and the network testing system. This interface layer enables the PC to access high-speed protocol capabilities and network device features without requiring physical modification of the computer, bridging the gap between standard PC functionality and specialized network testing requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated network testing systems are used, then device capabilities are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy of network device capabilities that can be accessed through software on a personal computer. Instead of requiring physical dedicated network testing hardware, the invention copies the essential functionality and protocol support into a virtual interface layer, maintaining high-speed capabilities while avoiding the complexity of dedicated hardware systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If high-speed protocol support is added to personal computers, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual device interface serves as an intermediary that handles high-speed protocol support without requiring complex hardware modifications to the personal computer. The interface layer manages protocol conversion and data transmission, enabling protocol support while keeping the underlying PC architecture simple and unchanged.
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual interface is disclosed. A method may include allowing upper layer software to transparently access the capabilities of a network device via a virtual interface as if the network device were in a computing device in which the upper layer software is resident. A communication channel may be established with a computing device. A virtual interface to a network device in the computing device is created. Incoming data units directed to the network device are received via the communication channel, and are made available via the virtual interface. Outgoing data units directed to the virtual interface may be forwarded to the network device via the communication channel. The methods may be implemented on computing devices that include network cards, including computers and/or network testing systems.