Network switching apparatus and control method

Abstract

The application provides a network switching device and a control method, and relates to the technical field of automatic logistics handling systems.The network switching device comprises a power supply component, a server component, a switching component and a detection component.The server component comprises a main server and a standby server, and the IP addresses of the main server and the standby server are the same.The switching component has a first connecting end, a second connecting end and a third connecting end.The first connecting end is connected with the power supply component, and the second connecting end and the third connecting end are both connected with the server component.The detection component is signal-connected with the server component, is used for detecting the working state of the server component, is signal-connected with the switching component, and is used for controlling the connection state of the switching component.The network switching device and the control method solve the technical problem that the hot standby mechanism in the automatic logistics handling system in the related art still stays at the single database backup level.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automated logistics handling systems, specifically to a network switching device and control method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, automated logistics handling STKC systems have extremely high continuity requirements, and the maturity and reliability of existing hot standby technologies still have significant shortcomings. At present, the hot standby mechanism of automated logistics handling STKC systems remains at the level of single database backup, only solving the problem of static data consistency. It completely fails to synchronize and take over the real-time processes, operational states, and runtime context of the control logic of the application service layer. This lack of synchronization support for the application service layer and real-time operational status means that when the main control unit suddenly fails, the standby unit cannot seamlessly take over the core control functions. The standby unit has the latest data but cannot immediately and seamlessly assume control functions, leading to the interruption of core business operations. This necessitates a lengthy recovery process requiring manual intervention, exposing a fundamental deficiency in ensuring application state continuity.

[0003] In existing technologies, traditional high-availability solutions that often rely on Windows Server require the configuration of complex modules such as shared storage and network heartbeat detection. However, the architecture's mandatory reliance on shared storage and independent network heartbeat detection modules not only leads to complex system deployment and a high initial configuration failure rate, but also introduces numerous single points of failure. Crucially, the triggering and execution of failover depend entirely on the software protocol stack and service status of the commercial operating system. Under high load or network fluctuations, the failover latency can range from hundreds of milliseconds to several seconds, exhibiting significant uncertainty. This fails to meet the stringent requirements of automated logistics equipment for millisecond-level, deterministic responses, and the high maintenance costs also significantly reduce the system's economic viability.

[0004] Furthermore, existing solutions suffer from deep limitations in their architectural design. Their hot standby logic is deeply coupled to specific interfaces or functions of the upper-level system, failing to achieve independent and self-consistent high availability for the STKC system itself. This dependence on external systems not only limits the versatility and portability of the technical solution itself, but also blurs the reliability boundaries of the entire system, making it impossible to form a complete, closed-loop reliable control unit.

[0005] Therefore, existing technologies need further development. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned technical deficiencies and provide a network switching device and control method to solve the technical problem that the hot standby mechanism in the automated logistics handling system in related technologies is still limited to a single database backup level.

[0007] To achieve the above technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A network switching device is provided for network hot standby switching of an automated logistics handling STKC system, comprising: a power supply component; a server component, including a primary server and a backup server, configured to be associated with a virtual IP address, the virtual IP address being in the same network segment as the host system; a switching component, including multiple relays powered by the power supply component; the switching component having a first connection terminal, a second connection terminal, and a third connection terminal, the first connection terminal being connected to the host system, and the second and third connection terminals being connected to the network physical interfaces of the primary server and the backup server, respectively; a detection component, which is a programmable logic controller (PLC), the PLC being signal-connected to the primary server and the backup server through its input / output modules, the PLC being used to periodically detect the operating status heartbeat signal of the server component; the detection component being signal-connected to the switching component, the detection component being used to control the connection status of the switching component.

[0008] Furthermore, the connection state of the switching component includes: the second connection terminal being connected to the first connection terminal; or, the third connection terminal being connected to the first connection terminal.

[0009] Furthermore, the first connection terminal corresponds to the common terminal of the relay, the second connection terminal corresponds to the normally open terminal of the relay, and the third connection terminal corresponds to the normally closed terminal of the relay.

[0010] Furthermore, the network switching device also includes an output component, which is provided with: multiple output terminals, which are electrically connected to the normally open and normally closed terminals of the relay array respectively through on-board wiring; and a connector, which is used to combine the signals from the multiple output terminals and transmit them to the physical interface corresponding to the server component.

[0011] Furthermore, the output component also includes jumpers, which are used to adjust the output mode of the output component; the jumpers configure the electrical characteristics or logic functions of some output signals by changing the insertion position of the jumper cap.

[0012] Furthermore, the electrical characteristics include at least one of signal pull-up, signal pull-down, level shifting, or opto-isolation.

[0013] Furthermore, the jumper can be configured with logical functions by changing the insertion position of the jumper cap, including simulating the timing of a specific industrial communication protocol or a specific output as a device ready signal, fault reset signal, or pulse enable signal.

[0014] A network switching device control method is also provided. The control method includes: controlling the switching component to be in a state where the first connection end and the second connection end are connected, establishing a communication link between the host system and the master server; periodically detecting the working status heartbeat signal of the master server through a detection component; when the detection component does not receive a valid heartbeat signal from the master server within several consecutive detection cycles, the detection component sends a switching control signal to the switching component; the switching component physically disconnects the communication link between the first connection end and the second connection end, and simultaneously establishes a communication link between the first connection end and the third connection end, so that the host system establishes a connection with the backup server.

[0015] Furthermore, the heartbeat signal for detecting the working status of the master server includes application-layer heartbeat packet detection based on network protocols and level signal detection based on specific hardware interfaces.

[0016] Furthermore, the network switching device control method also includes: when the detection component detects that the working status heartbeat signal of the master server has returned to normal, maintaining the communication link between the first connection end and the third connection end is in the conducting state; after receiving a manual reset command from the outside, controlling the switching component to switch to the communication link between the first connection end and the second connection end is in the conducting state.

[0017] Beneficial effects

[0018] 1. This invention effectively reduces the complexity of system deployment and maintenance costs through a hardware physical layer switching mechanism. On the one hand, it avoids the reliance on complex environments such as shared storage and dedicated network heartbeat lines in traditional software high availability solutions, making the software environment construction process simpler and more standardized. On the other hand, the modular hardware design allows for independent and rapid location and replacement of individual components such as relays when they fail, without the need to reconstruct the entire software environment, greatly improving maintenance efficiency and reducing long-term maintenance costs.

[0019] 2. This invention performs network switching by physically switching on and off through relay contacts, ensuring absolutely reliable results and solving the instability problem of switching based on software protocols. At the same time, the switching process does not depend on the operating status of the primary and backup operating systems, network stacks, or the response of software agents, fundamentally avoiding switching failures or abnormal IP address drift caused by software crashes, network congestion, or configuration errors, thus ensuring the high stability and determinism of the primary and backup switching process.

[0020] 3. The network switching device of the present invention performs the final switching action through hardware relays. Its response time is in the millisecond range and constant, providing time determinism that software cannot provide. It reduces the fault switching time from the unstable state of ten seconds to several seconds in the software solution to within 50 milliseconds, thereby meeting the stringent real-time requirements of industrial control.

[0021] 4. The network switching device of this invention uses a PLC as a 'heartbeat arbiter', which is not a simple signal detection, but rather establishes an independent and highly reliable 'sentinel' system outside the application layer for the entire hot standby system. This produces a "reliability isolation" effect. Even if the main control / standby computer cannot respond normally at the operating system level due to software crashes, viruses, resource exhaustion, etc., the PLC can still reliably detect the hardware-level "heartbeat" (such as a specific level signal) through its firmware program and trigger the switching. This avoids the logical paradox of "using an unreliable system to detect its own unreliability" and greatly improves the robustness of the entire switching mechanism. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the network switching device used in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a circuit diagram of the network switching device used in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the control method for the network switching device used in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a circuit diagram of the network switching device used in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the control method of the network switching device used in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0023] The above figures include the following reference numerals: 1. Switching component; 11. First connection terminal; 12. Second connection terminal; 13. Third connection terminal; 2. Output component; 21. Output terminal; 22. Jumper wire; 23. Connector. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a network switching device is provided for network hot standby switching of an automated logistics handling STKC system. Please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figures 1 to 5The system includes: a power supply component; a server component, comprising a primary server and a backup server configured to be associated with a virtual IP address, which is on the same network segment as the host system; a switching component 1, comprising multiple relays powered by the power supply component; the switching component 1 having a first connection terminal 11, a second connection terminal 12, and a third connection terminal 13, the first connection terminal 11 being connected to the host system, and the second connection terminal 12 and the third connection terminal 13 being connected to the network physical interfaces of the primary server and the backup server, respectively; a detection component, which is a programmable logic controller (PLC) connected to the primary server and the backup server via its input / output modules, and used to periodically detect the operating status heartbeat signal of the server component; the detection component is connected to the switching component 1 and is used to control the connection status of the switching component 1.

[0026] Preferably, the switching component 1 is a single-pole double-throw relay.

[0027] With the above setup, a breakthrough performance improvement through "hardware-software synergy" is achieved via a programmable logic controller (PLC), relay array, and virtual IP address mechanism. The PLC, acting as a highly reliable "decision-making brain," is responsible for precise heartbeat detection and fault diagnosis, while its output control signals drive the relay array to perform hard switching of the network physical link at the electrical layer. Simultaneously, the PLC sends signals to the master server. If no feedback is received from the master server after two consecutive signal transmissions, the switching component is notified to switch the master server to the backup server and enable the STKC software on the backup server. Alternatively, the PLC reads the network connection status of the PC board. If the master server is disconnected, Bito SB0 = 1, in which case the network switcher is notified to switch to the backup server and enable the STKC software on the backup server. If the backup server is disconnected, Bit1 SB1... If the value is 1, the network switcher is notified to switch to the master server and the master server is notified to start the STKC software. The switching operation uses physical contacts of a relay array for on / off control; this switching action is a purely hardware electrical process, completely decoupled from the state of the upper-layer operating system and application software. It does not depend on whether the software heartbeat packet is successfully sent, received, or parsed, fundamentally eliminating the problem of switching failures due to "fake dead" states caused by master system kernel crashes, software deadlocks, network stack overload, or virus attacks. Simultaneously, through mutual checks in three ways, the abnormal working state of the master server can be more accurately obtained. When the detection component detects an abnormal working state of the master server, it triggers a switching signal to control switching component 1 to switch the network link, reducing the fault switching time from the unstable state of hundreds of milliseconds to several seconds in the software solution to within 50 milliseconds. This is a hardware-level improvement. The switching ensures the determinism and reliability of the IP takeover process, providing a guarantee for the core control functions of the STKC system. Secondly, a "reliability isolation mechanism for detection and switching" is constructed: an independent industrial-grade PLC acts as a "sentinel," ensuring that even if the server completely freezes due to serious faults such as kernel crashes, the PLC can still reliably drive the switching, realizing a logical closed loop of "monitoring an unreliable system with a reliable system." Finally, the virtual IP maintains the continuity of logical connections at the upper-level system, while the relay array synchronously completes the forced switching of all relevant physical signal channels. The two work together to ensure the complete and consistent transfer of "network identity" and "physical control" in an instant, achieving a truly seamless and complete takeover. This avoids system state chaos caused by asynchronous switching and solves the technical problem that the hot standby mechanism in existing automated logistics handling systems is still limited to a single database backup level.

[0028] Preferably, the PC motherboard is a Mitsubishi QJ71GP21-SX; the signal sent from the PLC to the main server is NETWORKOK.

[0029] Specifically, an IP address is an Internet Protocol address, which is a string of numbers that conforms to the Internet Protocol (IP) and is used to uniquely identify and locate a device in a network.

[0030] Specifically, the STKC system is Stocker control software, and Stocker is the core device used for fully automated storage, management and transfer of wafer cassettes or clips (CSTs).

[0031] Specifically, the main control computer (main server), backup computer (backup server), and virtual IP must be on the same network segment as the IP of the host system.

[0032] Specifically, the virtual IP does not point to a single physical server, but is shared by a group of servers. The virtual IP interfaces with the upper-level system, and if the primary server fails, the virtual IP automatically switches to the backup server, achieving seamless service failover.

[0033] In the network switching device of this embodiment, the connection state of the switching component 1 includes: the second connection terminal 12 is connected to the first connection terminal 11; or, the third connection terminal 13 is connected to the first connection terminal 11.

[0034] In the network switching device of this embodiment, the first connection terminal 11 corresponds to the common terminal of the relay, the second connection terminal 12 corresponds to the normally open terminal of the relay, and the third connection terminal 13 corresponds to the normally closed terminal of the relay.

[0035] Specifically, the switching component 1 in this embodiment includes two states: normally open (the second connection terminal 12 is connected to the first connection terminal 11) and normally closed (the third connection terminal 13 is connected to the first connection terminal 11). The common terminal (first connection terminal 11) of the single-pole double-throw relay can only be stably connected to either the normally closed terminal (third connection terminal 13) or the normally open terminal (second connection terminal 12) at any given time, thus completely eliminating the possibility of conflict caused by the primary server and backup server simultaneously accessing the network. When the switching component 1 receives a switching signal and a switching occurs, the moving contact of the single-pole double-throw relay quickly disengages from one stationary contact and connects to another stationary contact. The switching process is completed within milliseconds, achieving "zero-interval switching" of the communication link.

[0036] In the network switching device of this embodiment, the network switching device further includes an output component 2, which is provided with: multiple output terminals 21, which are electrically connected to each normally open terminal and normally closed terminal of the relay array through in-board wiring; and a connector 23, which is used to aggregate the signals led out from the multiple output terminals 21 and transmit them to the physical interface corresponding to the server component.

[0037] In the network switching device of this embodiment, the output component 2 further includes a jumper 22, which is used to adjust the output mode of the output component. The jumper 22 configures the electrical characteristics or logic functions of some output signals by changing the insertion position of the jumper cap. In this way, the jumper 22 allows the user to hard-code the basic operating mode of the device by physical means (such as plugging or unplugging the jumper cap).

[0038] Specifically, the device can be set to "master server mode", "standby server mode" or "debugging mode" via jumpers. This hardware-level configuration allows the device to define its role and behavior at the moment of power-on, without relying on complex upper-layer software configuration or network protocol negotiation. This greatly simplifies the on-site deployment process and is especially suitable for batch deployment and replacement in different data centers and network environments. It significantly improves the device's adaptability to different application scenarios and avoids system failures caused by incorrect or missing software configuration parameters.

[0039] Specifically, the electrical characteristics include at least one of signal pull-up, signal pull-down, level shifting, or opto-isolation.

[0040] Specifically, the jumper 22, by changing the insertion position of the jumper cap, configures the logic function to simulate the timing of a specific industrial communication protocol or to provide a specific output as a device ready signal, fault reset signal, or pulse enable signal. Understandably, the physical connection state of a jumper is absolutely stable and unalterable. Once set, its defined operating mode will remain effective throughout the entire operating cycle of the device and will not change due to system power fluctuations, program errors, or network attacks. This determinism of "hard connection" provides the system with a highly reliable default behavior.

[0041] In the network switching device of this embodiment, see Figure 2 There are multiple output terminals 21, and each output terminal 21 corresponds to an output mode.

[0042] Preferably, there are 28 output terminals 21, and the jumpers correspond to 28 different output modes.

[0043] Preferably, the switching component 1 includes 8 single-pole double-throw relays, with 8 corresponding first connection terminals 11, 8 second connection terminals 12, and 8 corresponding third connection terminals 13.

[0044] Specifically, the main purpose of using eight single-pole double-throw (SPDT) relays is to achieve signal path switching. This is suitable for application scenarios that require switching between two different signal sources or destinations, such as automatic switching between primary and backup servers, and selection of different input sources. The selection of eight relays is based on the specific requirements of the system design, taking into account factors such as the number of channels to be controlled, hardware costs, and physical space constraints.

[0045] Thus, since each single-pole double-throw relay has three critical contacts: a common terminal (COM), a normally open contact (NO), and a normally closed contact (NC), and there are 8 such relays in this embodiment, theoretically there are only 16 available external connection points (8 second connection terminals 12 and 8 third connection terminals 13). However, this embodiment has 28 output terminals 21 (i.e., Out1 to Out28), which requires some output terminals to be designed to share the normally open contact (NO) or normally closed contact (NC) position of the same relay to meet the needs of all 28 outputs.

[0046] In the network switching device of this embodiment, the second connection terminal 12 is connected to multiple output terminals 21; the third connection terminal 13 is connected to multiple output terminals 21.

[0047] Specifically, there are several ways to connect the 8 relays to the 28 output ports. For example, the first 8 output ports can be directly connected via one of the normally closed (NC) contacts of the relays, while the remaining ports can be expanded by combining the remaining relay contacts or through other means such as multiplexers. When a primary server failure is detected and a switch to a backup server is initiated, the relevant relays are activated, changing their common terminal from the previously connected normally closed position to the normally open position, thereby altering the signal transmission path and ensuring service continuity.

[0048] Furthermore, maintenance personnel can intuitively confirm the current operating mode of the device by observing the physical location of the jumpers. There is no need to connect complex software debugging tools. When troubleshooting or system function testing is required, the device's operating state can be forcibly switched by simply changing the position of the jumper cap (such as from "automatic switching" mode to "manual assignment" mode). This allows for quick isolation of the problem and determination of whether the fault lies in the device itself or an abnormal external control signal. This greatly reduces the technical threshold and time cost of maintenance and improves the maintainability of the system.

[0049] Example 1

[0050] See Figure 2 The network switching device in this embodiment includes multiple relays (switching components) and connectors (output components).

[0051] Specifically, JP1 is the power input interface, used to provide power to the entire circuit.

[0052] JK1 to JK8 are switching components (single-pole double-throw relay arrays). Specifically, the switching components are single-pole double-throw relays driven by 24V DC. Each relay has three terminals: a common terminal (COM), a normally open terminal (NO), and a normally closed terminal (NC).

[0053] Out1 to Out28 are the output terminals, and the 28 output terminals are connected to different pins of the RJ1, RJ2 and RJ3 connectors respectively. Each relay (JK1 to JK8) is connected to the power input (JP1) through its common terminal (COM), and is connected to different output ports (Out1 to Out28) through its normally open terminal (NO) and normally closed terminal (NC).

[0054] Specifically, the function of a relay is to switch its internal contacts when it receives a control signal from a detection component, thereby changing the on / off state of the circuit. For example, when the relay coil is energized, the normally open terminal (NO) is connected to the common terminal (COM), while the normally closed terminal (NC) is disconnected from the common terminal (COM); and vice versa.

[0055] RJ1, RJ2, and RJ3 are connectors used to transmit signals from the circuit board to external devices or systems. Each connector has multiple pins, corresponding to different output terminals (Out1 to Out28). The RJ1 connector has 8 pins, corresponding to Out1 to Out8; the RJ2 connector has 8 pins, corresponding to Out9 to Out16; and the RJ3 connector has 8 pins, corresponding to Out17 to Out24.

[0056] See Figure 2 In this embodiment, the main function of the network switching device circuit is to control multiple output ports through relays. When a relay is activated, it changes the state of the corresponding output port, thereby controlling the external device. For example, if relay JK1 is activated, the signal states of Out1 to Out3 will change, thereby affecting the working state of the external devices connected to these output ports.

[0057] This embodiment effectively reduces the complexity of system deployment and maintenance costs through a hardware physical layer switching mechanism. On the one hand, it avoids the reliance on complex environments such as shared storage and dedicated network heartbeat lines found in traditional software high availability solutions, making the software environment setup process simpler and more standardized. On the other hand, the modular hardware design allows for independent and rapid location and replacement of individual components such as relays when they fail, without the need to reconstruct the entire software environment, greatly improving maintenance efficiency and reducing long-term maintenance costs.

[0058] Example 2

[0059] See Figure 4 In this embodiment, the switching component ( Figure 4 The component marked SRD-C is the core component or functional module of the network switching device in this embodiment. On the left side of the circuit board, there is a jumper marked "JP1" and a connector marked "RJ1". The jumper is typically used to configure different operating modes of the circuit, while RJ1 is a type of interface connector used to connect with other devices or modules. On the right side of the circuit board, two connectors marked "RJ2" and "RJ3" are used for network connections or interfaces with other external devices.

[0060] The main function of the circuit board of the network switching device provided in this embodiment is to switch and manage network signals. Among them, the SRD-C module (switching component) is the core component responsible for signal processing and switching, while the various connectors (RJ1-RJ3) are used to connect with other network devices or terminals.

[0061] This embodiment also provides a network switching device control method, see [link to documentation]. Figure 3 The control methods include: S100 control switching component 1 is in a state where the first connection terminal 11 and the second connection terminal 12 are connected, establishing a communication link between the host system and the main server; The S200 uses a detection component to periodically detect the heartbeat signal of the main server's working status. When the detection component fails to receive a valid heartbeat signal from the master server for multiple consecutive detection cycles, the detection component sends a switching control signal to the switching component 1. The S400 switching component 1 physically disconnects the communication link between the first connection terminal 11 and the second connection terminal 12, and simultaneously establishes a communication link between the first connection terminal 11 and the third connection terminal 13, so that the host system can establish a connection with the backup server.

[0062] In the network switching device control method of this embodiment, the network switching device control method further includes detecting the working status heartbeat signal of the master server, including application layer heartbeat packet detection based on network protocol and level signal detection based on specific hardware interface.

[0063] In practice, the detection component receives a switching signal in the following situations: the activation of the switching component (single-pole double-throw relay) usually depends on a specific triggering event, such as the health monitoring result of the main control system showing that the current host has failed, or a manual operation command requiring switching to the backup system.

[0064] In the network switching device control method of this embodiment, the network switching device control method further includes: when the detection component detects that the working status heartbeat signal of the master server has returned to normal, maintaining the communication link conduction state between the first connection terminal 11 and the third connection terminal 13, and after receiving a manual reset command from the outside, controlling the switching component 1 to switch to the communication link conduction state between the first connection terminal 11 and the second connection terminal 12.

[0065] In practice, when the switching component does not receive a switching signal (i.e., when the single-pole double-throw relay is not activated), by default, Out1 to Out3 of each single-pole double-throw relay may be connected to a certain device (assuming it is the main server); once JK1 is activated, these output ports will disconnect from the original device and re-establish the connection with another set of devices (such as the backup server).

[0066] Specifically, this switching process causes a change in the signal level on Out1 to Out3, which manifests as a jump in the analog signal value.

[0067] Example 3

[0068] This embodiment provides a control method for a network switching device, wherein the control logic of the network switcher is described in detail below. Figure 5 : Step 1: The primary server and the backup server must have the same IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway configuration when connected to the host system.

[0069] Step 2: If the IPs are the same, the Material Control System (MCS) can connect during hot standby switching; if the IPs are different, the MCS cannot communicate during hot standby switching.

[0070] Step 3: The PLC monitors the heartbeat of the two computers in real time via software components. If the main server is abnormal, the backup server is switched.

[0071] Specifically, PLC stands for Programmable Logic Controller, and the Material Control System (MCS) is the central nervous system of automated material handling in semiconductor manufacturing companies, playing a crucial role as the brain of the company's material transport system. The MCS is responsible for supervising and controlling all handling equipment, such as overhead cranes (OHT), automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and wafer storage lockers. This system directly responds to instructions from the Manufacturing Execution System (MES), precisely directing various storage and handling equipment. It is responsible for the centralized transport of production materials, including assignment, scheduling, and tracking, and effectively manages the storage and retrieval of materials. This system ensures optimized logistics operations, guarantees smooth and efficient material flow, and plays a vital role in maintaining the continuity and flexibility of the production process.

[0072] The control method of the network switching device in this embodiment fundamentally eliminates the network reconfiguration delay during switching by pre-configuring a unified network. It requires the primary server (HP) and the standby server (OP) to be pre-configured with the same core network identifiers such as IP address, subnet mask, and gateway. This ensures that the standby server can immediately start working with its original network identity at the moment of hot standby switching, without waiting for the time-consuming process of IP address release, acquisition, or reset. Upper-layer clients such as MCS do not need to update their connection targets. The communication link can be maintained continuously at both the network layer and the application layer, thereby completely avoiding communication interruption caused by IP change and realizing seamless service takeover without being noticed.

[0073] In practical application, this embodiment uses a PLC as the execution entity for heartbeat monitoring and switching arbitration. The PLC detects the heartbeat signals of the two computers in real time through software components, and its operation is independent of the health status of the upper-level operating system (Windows / Linux, etc.). Even if the main control computer "froze" due to serious faults such as system kernel crashes, blue screens, or software freezes, the PLC can still detect the anomaly in a timely and accurate manner through its stable and reliable hardware logic and issue a switching command. This overcomes the shortcomings of traditional software heartbeat detection methods, which may fail due to operating system failures, greatly enhancing the fault tolerance and response determinism of the entire hot standby system. It solves the technical problem that the hot standby mechanism in existing automated logistics handling systems is still limited to a single database backup level.

[0074] It should be noted that in the existing technology, the traditional solution that relies on Windows Server is limited by the operating system in the early stages of software setup. Currently, only Windows Server 2016 / Windows Server 2019 can be used to achieve this. Moreover, the setup environment is complicated, and any error in any step of the setup process requires reconfiguration, resulting in low fault tolerance.

[0075] Specifically, Windows Server is a service-level operating system developed by Microsoft specifically for running on server hardware, with Windows Server 2016 and Windows Server 2019 being two of these operating systems.

[0076] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0077] Optionally, specific examples in this embodiment can refer to the examples described in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0078] The sequence numbers of the embodiments in this application are for descriptive purposes only and do not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments.

[0079] In the above embodiments of this application, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0080] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this application. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this application, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A network switching device for network hot standby switching in an automated logistics handling STKC system, characterized in that, include: Power supply components; The server component includes a primary server and a backup server. The primary server and the backup server are configured to be associated with a virtual IP address, which is in the same network segment as the host system. Both the primary server and the backup server are equipped with PC boards. The switching component (1) includes multiple relays powered by the power supply component; the switching component (1) has a first connection terminal (11), a second connection terminal (12) and a third connection terminal (13), the first connection terminal (11) is connected to the host system, and the second connection terminal (12) and the third connection terminal (13) are respectively connected to the network physical interfaces of the main server and the backup server; The detection component is a programmable logic controller (PLC). The PLC is connected to the main server and the backup server via its input / output modules. The PLC is used to periodically detect the working status heartbeat signal of the server components. The PLC is used to send and receive signals to the main server. The PLC is used to read the network connection status of the PC board. The detection component is connected to the switching component (1) via a signal and is used to control the connection status of the switching component (1). The output component (2) is provided with: multiple output terminals (21), which are electrically connected to each normally open and normally closed terminal of the relay array through in-board wiring; a connector (23), which is used to combine the signals from the multiple output terminals (21) and transmit them to the physical interface corresponding to the server component; the output component (2) also includes a jumper (22), which is used to adjust the output mode of the output component; the jumper (22) configures the electrical characteristics or logic function of some output signals by changing the insertion position of the jumper cap.

2. The network switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection state of the switching component (1) includes: the second connection terminal (12) is connected to the first connection terminal (11); or, the third connection terminal (13) is connected to the first connection terminal (11).

3. The network switching device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first connection terminal (11) corresponds to the common terminal of the relay, the second connection terminal (12) corresponds to the normally open terminal of the relay, and the third connection terminal (13) corresponds to the normally closed terminal of the relay.

4. The network switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical characteristics include at least one of signal pull-up, signal pull-down, level shifting, or opto-isolation.

5. The network switching device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The jumper (22) changes its configured logical function by changing the insertion position of the jumper cap; The logical function includes at least: simulating the timing of a preset industrial communication protocol; and configuring at least one of the output terminals as an output device ready signal, a fault reset signal, or a pulse enable signal.

6. A network switching device control method, said control method being applied to the network switching device as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The control method includes: Control the switching component (1) to be in a state where the first connection end (11) and the second connection end (12) are connected, and establish a communication link between the host system and the main server; The detection components periodically detect the operating status heartbeat signal of the main server; detect the received signal of the programmable logic controller; and detect the connection status of the PC board of the main server. When the detection component fails to receive a valid heartbeat signal from the master server within multiple consecutive detection cycles and the programmable logic controller sends signals to the master server twice in a row without receiving a signal; or, when the detection component fails to receive a valid heartbeat signal from the master server within multiple consecutive detection cycles and detects an abnormal connection status of the master server's PC board, the detection component sends a switching control signal to the switching component (1). The switching component (1) physically disconnects the communication link between the first connection end (11) and the second connection end (12), and simultaneously establishes a communication link between the first connection end (11) and the third connection end (13), so that the host system establishes a connection with the backup server.

7. The network switching device control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The heartbeat signal for detecting the working status of the master server includes application-layer heartbeat packet detection based on network protocols and level signal detection based on specific hardware interfaces.

8. The network switching device control method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The network switching device control method further includes: When the detection component detects that the working status heartbeat signal of the master server has returned to normal, it maintains the communication link between the first connection end (11) and the third connection end (13) in the connected state. After receiving a manual reset command from the outside, it controls the switching component (1) to switch to the communication link between the first connection end (11) and the second connection end (12) in the connected state.

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