Communications network tap with heartbeat monitor
US7599301B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 1, 2005 |
| Grant date | Oct 6, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 18, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L41/06
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A communications network tap, comprises a first terminal and a second terminal adapted to couple the tap in-line in the network and communicate data packets with network devices. A heartbeat generator is configured to generate a heartbeat signal, and a heartbeat insert circuit coupled to the first terminal and the heartbeat generator and configured to insert the heartbeat signal into data packets. A third terminal is coupled to the heartbeat insert circuit and adapted to couple the tap to a network monitor and communicate data packets with network monitor. A heartbeat remove circuit is coupled to the third terminal and configured to receive data packets from a network monitor and remove the heartbeat signal from the data packets. A heartbeat detector coupled to the heartbeat remove circuit and configured to detect whether the data packets include the heartbeat signal, and if not, to generate an alarm signal. A switch is coupled to the second terminal and configured to transmit data packets onto the network. Advantages of the invention include ensuring the integrity of network monitoring equipment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.