EtherFuse: an Ethernet Watchdog

This invention is a device that can be inserted into existing Local Area Networks (Ethernet) to significantly enhance its reliability. The functionality of this device can be integrated into existing Ethernet switches to eliminate the need for adding new devices. However, implementing the EtherFuse as a standalone device is more flexible as it does not require modifying existing Ethernet switches. Specifically, EtherFuse is characterized by how quickly it responds to network failures, its ability to reduce packet loss and duplication, and its benefits on the end-to-end performance of common applications.

Advantages Unlike previous solutions, the EtherFuse is completely backward compatible with existing Ethernet. It does not require any changes to software, hardware, or protocols of exiting Ethernet networks. Moreover, it addresses a wider range of problems than previous approaches.

Potential Applications For a standalone-device approach, the algorithms used by the EtherFuse needs to be implemented in hardware. If the functionality of the EtherFuse to be integrated into existing Ethernet switches, it needs to be written in software then loaded into the Ethernet switches.

Inventor(s): Alan Cox

Type of Offer: Licensing



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