Communications network tap with heartbeat monitor
First Claim
1. A network tap for detecting a fault in a network component, the network tap comprising:
- a heartbeat generator for generating a heartbeat signal;
a heartbeat insert circuit for receiving a first set of data, inserting the heartbeat signal into the first set of data, and providing the first set of data, with the heartbeat signal inserted, to the network component;
a heartbeat remove circuit for receiving a second set of data from the network component and, if the second set of data includes the heartbeat signal, removing the heartbeat signal from the second set of data; and
a heartbeat detector for detecting the heartbeat signal and, if the heartbeat signal is not detected, generating an alarm signal, the heartbeat detector being coupled to the heartbeat remove circuit.
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A network tap for detecting a fault in a network component, the network tap comprising:
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a heartbeat generator for generating a heartbeat signal; a heartbeat insert circuit for receiving a first set of data, inserting the heartbeat signal into the first set of data, and providing the first set of data, with the heartbeat signal inserted, to the network component; a heartbeat remove circuit for receiving a second set of data from the network component and, if the second set of data includes the heartbeat signal, removing the heartbeat signal from the second set of data; and a heartbeat detector for detecting the heartbeat signal and, if the heartbeat signal is not detected, generating an alarm signal, the heartbeat detector being coupled to the heartbeat remove circuit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for detecting a fault in a network component, the method comprising:
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generating a heartbeat signal; receiving a first set of data; inserting the heartbeat signal into the first set of data; providing the first set of data, with the heartbeat signal inserted, to the network component; receiving a second set of data from the network component; detecting whether the second set of data includes the heartbeat signal; generating an alarm signal if the heartbeat signal is not detected; and removing the heartbeat signal from the second set of data if the second set of data includes the heartbeat signal - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification