{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853857","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9853857","title":"System, switch device and method of controlling a plurality of switch devices","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2016-04-07T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04L","H04L","H04L","H04L","H04L"],"num_claims":20,"abstract":"A switch apparatus includes a first controller, a second controller, and a plurality of switch devices, the plurality of switch devices being configured to receive a packet and store a flow table which indicates a method of handling a process of the received packet, wherein the first controller informs a first content of the flow table to the plurality of switch devices, a first switch device detects a communication error between the first switch device and the first controller, the first switch device informs a second switch device of the communication error, and the second switch device changes a connecting destination from the first controller to the second controller."},"analysis":{"summary":"The System, Switch Device and Method of Controlling a Plurality of Switch Devices patent (US 9853857) introduces an innovative solution for enhancing network reliability by addressing communication errors between switch devices and their controllers. The core innovation lies in enabling switch devices to detect these errors and dynamically switch to a secondary controller, ensuring continuous network operation.\n\nTraditional network architectures often suffer from single points of failure, where a communication error between a switch and its controller can lead to significant disruptions. This patent solves this problem by distributing the error detection and failover responsibilities among the switch devices themselves. Each switch device monitors its communication with the primary controller and alerts neighboring switches upon detecting an error. One of these neighboring switches then assumes control by switching to the secondary controller.\n\nThis technical approach involves equipping each switch device with error detection capabilities, peer-to-peer communication protocols, and dynamic routing table update mechanisms. This distributed architecture eliminates the single point of failure associated with centralized controllers, leading to improved network resilience and reduced downtime.\n\nThe business value of this innovation is significant. It reduces the need for manual intervention, minimizes the impact of communication errors, and enhances overall network performance. This technology can be applied in various industries, including data centers, industrial control systems, and telecommunications networks, where uptime is critical.\n\nThe market opportunity for this technology is substantial, as organizations increasingly rely on robust and reliable network infrastructures. By providing a cost-effective solution for minimizing downtime and enhancing network resilience, the System, Switch Device and Method of Controlling a Plurality of Switch Devices patent offers a competitive advantage for companies seeking to optimize their network operations.","layman_explanation":"The System, Switch Device and Method of Controlling a Plurality of Switch Devices addresses the critical issue of network downtime caused by communication errors between network switches and their controllers. Existing solutions often lack the redundancy and automatic failover capabilities necessary to maintain continuous network operation during controller failures.\n\nThis innovation works by enabling network switches to detect communication errors with their primary controller. When an error is detected, the switch communicates with its neighboring switches to signal the issue. Another switch then takes over control by switching to a secondary, backup controller. This process ensures that network traffic continues to flow without significant interruption.\n\nThis technology matters because it directly impacts network reliability and uptime. By minimizing downtime, businesses can avoid revenue losses, improve customer satisfaction, and enhance operational efficiency. The system offers a competitive advantage by providing a more resilient and robust network infrastructure.\n\nFuture applications of this technology include integration with cloud-based network management platforms and the development of more sophisticated error detection and failover algorithms. Market adoption is expected to increase as organizations prioritize network resilience and seek solutions to minimize the impact of network disruptions. The System, Switch Device and Method of Controlling a Plurality of Switch Devices represents a significant advancement in network management and offers valuable investment opportunities for companies seeking to enhance their network infrastructure.","technical_analysis":"The System, Switch Device and Method of Controlling a Plurality of Switch Devices patent (US 9853857) details a network architecture designed to enhance resilience through distributed error detection and dynamic controller switching. The system comprises multiple switch devices, a primary controller, and a secondary controller, all interconnected to ensure continuous network operation.\n\nThe technical architecture revolves around the ability of each switch device to monitor its communication link with the primary controller. This monitoring can be implemented using various techniques, such as heartbeat signals, packet loss analysis, or latency measurements. Upon detecting a communication error, the switch device initiates a failover process.\n\nThe failover process involves the switch device alerting its neighboring switches about the error. This inter-switch communication can be facilitated by a peer-to-peer protocol, such as gossip protocol or a custom-designed messaging system. The neighboring switches then evaluate the error report and, if confirmed, initiate a switchover to the secondary controller.\n\nThe implementation details include the configuration of routing tables and network parameters to ensure a seamless transition to the secondary controller. This may involve updating the forwarding information base (FIB) and adjusting the quality of service (QoS) settings. The performance characteristics of the system are influenced by the speed of error detection, the efficiency of inter-switch communication, and the latency of the controller switchover.\n\nIntegration patterns for this technology involve deploying the switch devices in a redundant configuration, with the primary and secondary controllers operating in an active-standby mode. The code-level implications include the development of software modules for error detection, inter-switch communication, and controller switchover. These modules must be designed to minimize overhead and ensure real-time responsiveness. The System, Switch Device and Method of Controlling a Plurality of Switch Devices architecture improves network uptime.","business_analysis":"The System, Switch Device and Method of Controlling a Plurality of Switch Devices patent (US 9853857) presents a significant business opportunity in the network management space. The core value proposition lies in enhancing network reliability and minimizing downtime, which translates to tangible cost savings and improved customer satisfaction for businesses.\n\nThe market opportunity size is substantial, as organizations across various industries increasingly rely on robust and resilient network infrastructures. Data centers, telecommunications providers, industrial control systems, and enterprise networks all stand to benefit from this technology. The competitive advantages stem from the distributed nature of the error detection and failover mechanism, which eliminates single points of failure and ensures continuous operation.\n\nThe revenue potential can be realized through various business models, including licensing the technology to network equipment manufacturers, offering managed network services, or developing proprietary network solutions based on the patented technology. Strategic positioning involves targeting industries where uptime is critical and network disruptions can have significant financial or operational consequences. This includes financial services, healthcare, and e-commerce.\n\nThe ROI projections are compelling. By reducing downtime, businesses can avoid costly outages, improve productivity, and enhance customer loyalty. The investment in implementing this technology can be quickly recouped through these operational efficiencies and revenue gains. The System, Switch Device and Method of Controlling a Plurality of Switch Devices provides a strong business case for network resilience.","faqs":null,"topics":["network management","switch devices","communication error","controller redundancy","network stability","system","switch","device"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"System, Switch Device and Method of Controlling a Plurality of Switch Devices - Patent US-9853857","description":"Discover how System, Switch Device and Method of Controlling a Plurality of Switch Devices enhances network reliability by dynamically switching controllers. Full patent analysis and claims.","keywords":["network management","switch devices","communication error","controller redundancy","network stability","patent","patent US-9853857"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853857","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853857","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"System, switch device and method of controlling a plurality of switch devices\" (US-9853857). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853857","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9853857","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9853857","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T11:11:11.661Z"}