Method for planning and operating a network
By leveraging the synergy of planning tools and network management stations, network equipment is configured automatically, resolving issues related to error identification and equipment replacement during the network equipment configuration distribution process. This enables efficient and accurate network commissioning and fault handling.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HIRSCHMANN AUTOMATION AND CONTROL GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies are prone to errors and difficult to identify during the network device configuration distribution process, especially when replacing equipment in case of equipment failure, it is not easy to achieve correct configuration, and there is a lack of personnel with in-depth network knowledge on site.
The network topology is planned using planning tools, and IP addresses are assigned to each network device using the network management station. Configuration data is automatically distributed, and the configuration is activated after a restart. Line connection errors are identified and corrected or users are guided to make manual adjustments.
It enables automated configuration of network devices and simple replacement of faulty devices, reduces manual intervention, improves configuration accuracy and efficiency, and supports automatic adjustment of device types and authenticity verification.
Smart Images
Figure CN121909631A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a method for planning, putting into operation, and eliminating errors in the network topology of a network having network devices connected to each other according to the features of the preamble of claim 1.
[0002] Networks, especially industrial networks, are typically characterized, among other things, by the fact that their topology is fully and meticulously planned; that is, the network's topology, as well as the devices to be used and their configurations, are predetermined and then distributed to the devices within the network. After this, if no errors occur during planning and, especially, during the actual construction of the network, it can be put into operation.
[0003] question:
[0004] The configuration distribution to network devices (also known as commissioning) can be performed in different ways. For the initial commissioning of the network, this is often done manually. This means that after the network cables are connected, network engineers or other commissioning personnel load the configuration individually onto each network device (hereinafter also referred to as a switch). For device-specific and port-specific configurations, such as VLAN affiliation of network ports, to be correctly distributed (i.e., loaded and commissioned), all network devices must be correctly installed and cabled according to the network plan, and the correct configuration must be loaded onto their respective network devices. Manually configuring each device is both time-consuming and error-prone. Furthermore, it is often impossible or difficult to determine if a device is not correctly cabled.
[0005] Semi-automatic processes used for commissioning, such as automatically retrieving configurations from an FTP server, can reduce commissioning time. However, even with this method, it is difficult to easily identify situations such as incorrectly loaded configurations, faulty wiring connections, or incorrect equipment unsuitable for use at that location in the planned topology, or to take steps to eliminate the corresponding problems after identification.
[0006] In addition, there is a sub-problem: it is not easy to replace faulty equipment by automatically distributing the correct configuration. In practice, it is necessary to first determine what configuration the faulty equipment had (and depending on the fault situation, it may be impossible to determine the last configuration used), and then provide that configuration and load it onto the newly replaced equipment.
[0007] When equipment failures occur in an existing network, on-site personnel with extensive network knowledge are typically unavailable to replace the equipment. For this reason, equipment replacement and the subsequent deployment of the correct configuration must be designed to be as simple and error-free as possible. This issue arises as a subset of commissioning problems and can therefore be resolved using the same approach.
[0008] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to provide a method for solving the problems described at the outset.
[0009] The task is solved by the features of claim 1.
[0010] The problems encountered during deployment are addressed as follows: First, a suitable planning tool is used to plan the network topology. Then, the planned network is connected to its devices. Starting from the network management station, network devices are addressed one by one, and an IP address is assigned to each device based on its unique identifier. Afterward, each network device receives and stores its configuration data, and subsequently, each network device is restarted to activate the received and stored configuration. In other words, the configuration for each network device is distributed from the network management station (also known as the NMS or network management station) from one device to the next, either incrementally or in a wave-like manner.
[0011] Advantages of the solution:
[0012] The solution according to the present invention eliminates the above-mentioned problems and allows for the automatic commissioning of newly planned and subsequently constructed networks (so-called new networks), or the commissioning or reconfiguration of existing networks (so-called modified networks), largely without the need for manual intervention.
[0013] Furthermore, the solution according to the invention provides the possibility of identifying line connection errors and either automatically eliminating them (e.g., by automatically adjusting the configuration of the corresponding devices) or providing assistance to the user to manually perform corrections (e.g., by displaying the network port of the incorrect line connection and providing guidance on how to achieve the correct line connection). This will be explained in detail below.
[0014] Specific advantages:
[0015] - Eliminate wiring connection errors.
[0016] - Instruct users on how to eliminate line connection errors.
[0017] - If users wish to retain existing line connections, adjust network planning or equipment configuration.
[0018] - Check the device type.
[0019] - Verify the authenticity of the installed equipment if needed or desired.
[0020] - Inconsistent device types are acceptable if the actual installed network equipment provides the required functionality. In this case, the configuration will automatically adjust for the new device type.
[0021] - If the configuration fails to apply successfully or the actual installed network device cannot provide the required functionality, reject the inconsistent device type.
[0022] - You can set a separate password for each network device.
[0023] plan:
[0024] As described above, the solution according to the present invention is explained in detail below.
[0025] In the first step, based on the network's location and intended functions, the network is planned offline, or virtually, using a suitable planning tool. This involves planning the network topology with the required network devices. This not only specifies the network topology and wiring connections but also the configurations for each network device. In the next step, the physical network is constructed, and wiring is performed according to the plan.
[0026] To distribute the configuration to each network device now, follow these steps:
[0027] - Enables network planning and configuration of individual network devices to be provided on the Network Management Station (NMS).
[0028] - Connect the network management station to the newly constructed network from any point.
[0029] The network management station now automatically—for example, by using LLDP neighbor information—identifies a network device, preferably the next network device connected to the network management station, and assigns an initial IP address for configuration to that network device, and, if desired, an initial password. The IP address assignment is performed using a protocol that can configure the device's IP address using unambiguous identification features, such as a MAC address. An example of such a protocol is, for instance, Belden's "HiDiscovery" protocol. This process ensures that IP address assignment can also be performed on devices that are completely unconfigured at this point (new or delivered).
[0030] - Starting with the first identified network device, the entire network is now automatically identified (preferably using the same method as the previous step) and an initial IP address is set for the entire network, along with an optional password (see [link to previous step]). Figure 1 Settings: Create a new network and Figure 2(Network configured via IP). In this step, the physically existing network topology, determined by this method, is compared for the first time with the pre-planned topology. If deviations from the plan are identified during network construction, these deviations can be notified to the user as problems, and assistance (e.g., specific guidance) can be provided: how the user must handle the situation to correct the physical topology (e.g., incorrect wiring) or alternatively, adjust the deviations in the planned network plan accordingly. After this step, the structure of the physical network (network topology) must be consistent with the planned or adjusted network topology.
[0031] - In the next step, the physical devices in the determined network topology are compared with the planned topology and the types of devices installed there, and the configuration is distributed to each network device according to the network plan. The distribution of configuration to each network device is performed as follows:
[0032] 1. If required or desired, the network device shall be verified, that is, to ensure that the network device is, for example, indeed a device from the desired manufacturer or has the required functionality at that location on the network.
[0033] 2. Compare the network device's device type with the expected device type. If the device types match, proceed to step 3.
[0034] a. If the device types are inconsistent, check whether the actual installed device type meets the requirements of the network device at the installation location (e.g., VLAN capability, redundancy protocol, etc.).
[0035] b. If the requirement is met, the network management station adjusts the configuration to be suitable for the new device. Then proceed to step 3.
[0036] c. If this requirement is not met, notify the user that the wrong device has been installed, and the network management station will provide guidance on how to eliminate the problem (replace the wrong device with the desired type and make the line connections according to the network plan).
[0037] d. After the replacement is completed, you can continue to step 3 to distribute the configuration to the device.
[0038] 3. Check that the wiring connections are correct (see [link]). Figure 4 (Eliminate line connection errors).
[0039] a. If executed correctly, the configuration will be distributed to the devices as specified in the network plan.
[0040] b. If not executed correctly, there are several possibilities to eliminate the problem depending on the network operator / user's preferences:
[0041] - Automatic configuration adjustment: The network management station automatically adjusts the configuration (such as VLAN affiliation of ports, possible static forwarding table entries, etc.) based on the identified topology to ensure the original planned performance of the network.
[0042] - Manual error resolution: The network management station provides users with precise information about the problem and instructions on how to resolve it (e.g., for device B: Connect port 3 of adjacent network device A to port 2 of network device B, but it should be connected to port 1. Unplug the cable from port 2 of device B and plug it into port 1 of device B).
[0043] - Importantly, according to the solution of the present invention, after the configuration is distributed to all network devices, the newly configured network devices are ultimately prompted to automatically restart at a specified time (see...). Figure 3 (Application configuration). This can be performed by all devices in the network, a single device (especially a replaced device), or a limited segment of the network (e.g., all devices of a certain type, all devices that have received the new operating system software, etc.). By simultaneously rebooting all affected network devices after the configuration is distributed to all network devices, it is ensured that all network devices are reachable without exception during the configuration process. Alternatively, the software update can also be loaded onto a single device, a group of devices, or all devices and activated by a reboot prompted by the network management station.
[0044] For the following problem: replacing faulty equipment in an existing network and correctly commissioning and configuring it according to the network plan, the processing method is very similar to the method described above. The main difference is that the network no longer needs planning (because the network has been planned and constructed and connected according to the plan), and it no longer needs to be completely redefined (as is done directly after network construction). That is, these method steps have been completed, and only the optional step of eliminating errors is performed. Here, the error is not, for example, a faulty line connection or a faulty network device identified directly after network construction, but rather an error identified afterward, for example, after the network has been running for some time. This is because in practice, situations repeatedly arise where faulty equipment must be replaced or older equipment may no longer be able to be equipped with the current configuration and / or running the software. In the case of this optional step (which may occur quite frequently in practice after planning, construction, and commissioning using the method of the present invention), the location of the replacement equipment in the network is determined as described above, and then the appropriate configuration is issued for that network equipment. The possible problem situations described above (faulty equipment, faulty line connections) can also be captured and handled in this optional step as in the above solution.
Claims
1. A method for planning, commissioning, and optionally eliminating errors in the network topology of a network of network devices interconnected according to the function of the network, characterized in that, First, the network topology is planned using appropriate planning tools. Then, the planned network is connected to its network devices. Starting from the network management station, the network devices are addressed one by one, and an IP address is assigned to each network device based on its unique identifier. Then, the network devices receive and store their configuration data, and then each network device is restarted to activate the received and stored configuration.
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the first step, the network is planned offline in the planning tool according to the location of the network and the functions to be performed by the network. That is, the topology of the network with the required network devices is planned. This not only specifies the network topology and line connections, but also specifies the configuration for each network device. In the next step, the physical network is built and the line connections are made according to the network plan.
3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, This allows network planning and configuration of individual network devices to be provided on a network management station, which connects to the newly constructed network from any point. The network management station then automatically identifies a network device and assigns it an initial IP address for configuration.
4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The network management station automatically identifies the next network device to connect to.
5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, IP address allocation is performed through the following protocol: this protocol can configure IP addresses for network devices using unidirectional identifier features.
6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Starting with the first identified network device, the entire network is automatically identified and an initial IP address is set.
7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The physical network topology determined by this method is compared for the first time with the pre-planned topology.
8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, If deviations from the network plan are identified during network construction, these deviations are notified to the user as problems, and assistance, such as specific guidance, is provided on how the user must handle the situation to correct the physical topology or alternatively, adjust the planned network plan accordingly.
9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The physical devices in the determined network topology are compared with the planned topology and the types of devices to be set there, and the configuration is distributed to each network device according to the network plan.
10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, Verify a network device and compare its device type with the expected device type.
11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, If the device types are inconsistent, check whether the actual installed device type meets the requirements of the network devices at the installation location.
12. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, If the type of equipment actually installed meets the requirements of the network equipment at the installation location, the network management station will adjust the configuration so that the configuration can be applied to the new equipment.
13. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, If the type of equipment actually installed does not meet the requirements for network equipment at the installation location, the user is notified that the wrong equipment has been installed, and the network management station provides guidance on how to resolve the problem.
14. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Check that the line connections are executed correctly. If the line connections are executed correctly, then distribute the configuration to the devices as specified in the network plan.
15. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Check if the wiring connections are executed correctly, and if not, perform automatic configuration adjustments or manual error correction.