Wireless Debugging via Network Priority Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional debugging methods require physical access to devices, which becomes impractical or impossible for small or hard-to-reach devices, and there is a need for a method to perform debug commands without physical connections, especially utilizing existing network connections like wireless networks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for remotely debugging network devices using debug commands transmitted over a network, where the processing unit enters a special debugging mode with lower priority than the network interface, allowing network packet reception and execution of debug operations, utilizing a wireless network interface and employing a Software Debug Access Port concept.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical cables are used to attach to the device under test for debugging, then debugging control and operation viewing is achieved, but physical accessibility becomes onerous or impossible for small or hard-to-reach devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless communication system. The debug computer communicates with the network device through wireless packets transmitted over a network, eliminating the need for physical cable attachments to the device under test.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network as an intermediary medium between the debug computer and the network device. Instead of direct physical connection, debug commands and data are transmitted through wireless network packets, allowing debugging without physical access to the device.
2Ease of operation
If the processing unit enters a special debugging mode to execute debug commands, then debug operations can be performed, but network packet reception may be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic priority management where the processing unit can switch between debugging mode and normal network operation mode. The system dynamically adjusts its state based on whether debug commands are being processed, allowing seamless transition between modes while maintaining network connectivity through proper priority handling.
Data Source
AI summary
A novel system and method for remotely debugging a network device is disclosed. A debug system is used to transmit debug commands over a network to the network device. The network device interprets the debug commands. The processing unit on the network device includes a special debugging mode where it is able to perform special debug operations. This special debugging mode operates at a priority that is lower than that of the network interface so that the network device can still receive network packets while being debugged. The network device also has the ability to generate responses to the debug commands in some embodiments. The concept of wireless debugging can also be applied to multi-core processors as well.