Network switch and method of operation thereof

Abstract

The embodiments of this disclosure relate to network switches and their operation methods. A network switch includes a Precision Time Protocol (PTP) circuit and a processor. The PTP circuit is used to determine whether a first PTP data packet carries a first Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) tag. The processor is coupled to the PTP circuit. The processor is used to execute: when the first PTP data packet carries the first VLAN tag, determining whether the first VLAN tag conforms to a first preset VLAN channel; and when the first VLAN tag does not conform to the first preset VLAN channel, setting the current VLAN channel in the first VLAN tag to a second preset VLAN channel and executing the PTP program through the second preset VLAN channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a technology for a network switch. In particular, it relates to a network switch and its operation method that can adaptively utilize Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) to perform Precision Time Protocol (PTP) procedures. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of technology, various network technologies have emerged. For example, a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) uses specific network technologies to build many devices under a single network. These devices can then use the channels of the VLAN to execute different protocols.

[0003] However, in existing technologies, specific protocols are executed using fixed network channels. In this case, if it is necessary to switch to executing this specific protocol using a different network channel, a new network channel must be defined. This is time-consuming and can affect the stability of the entire network. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Some embodiments of this disclosure relate to a network switch. The network switch includes a Precision Time Protocol (Precision Time Protocol) circuit and a processor. The Precision Time Protocol (Precision Time Protocol) circuit determines whether a first Precision Time Protocol (Precision Time Protocol) data packet carries a first Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) tag. The processor is coupled to the Precision Time Protocol (Precision Time Protocol) circuit. The processor is configured to: when the first Precision Time Protocol (Precision Time Protocol) data packet carries the first VLAN tag, determine whether the first VLAN tag conforms to a first preset VLAN channel; and when the first VLAN tag does not conform to the first preset VLAN channel, set the current VLAN channel in the first VLAN tag to a second preset VLAN channel and execute the Precision Time Protocol (Precision Time Protocol) procedure through the second preset VLAN channel.

[0005] Some embodiments of this disclosure relate to a method of operating a network switch. The method of operating the network switch includes the following operations: determining, by means of a Precision Time Protocol (Precision Time Protocol) circuit in the network switch, whether a first Precision Time Protocol (Precision Time Protocol) data packet carries a first Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) tag; when the first Precision Time Protocol (Precision Time Protocol) data packet carries the first VLAN tag, determining, by means of a processor in the network switch, whether the first VLAN tag conforms to a first preset VLAN channel; and when the first VLAN tag does not conform to the first preset VLAN channel, setting the current VLAN channel in the first VLAN tag to a second preset VLAN channel and executing a Precision Time Protocol (Precision Time Protocol) procedure through the second preset VLAN channel. Attached Figure Description

[0006] To make the above and other objects, features, advantages and embodiments of this disclosure more apparent and understandable, the accompanying drawings are described below:

[0007] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a network switch illustrated according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0008] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation method of a network switch according to some embodiments of this disclosure; and

[0009] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a precise time protocol data packet according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0010] The term "coupled" as used in this article can also refer to "electrical coupling," and the term "connection" can also refer to "electrical connection." "Coupled" and "connection" can also refer to two or more components cooperating or interacting with each other.

[0011] refer to Figure 1 . Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a network switch 100 illustrated according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the network switch 100 may be used in an automotive network environment. In other words, this automotive network environment may include multiple network switches 100.

[0012] by Figure 1 For example, network switch 100 includes precision time protocol circuitry 110 and processor 120. Processor 120 is coupled to precision time protocol circuitry 110. In some embodiments, precision time protocol circuitry 110 is a precision time protocol receiver parser. In some embodiments, processor 120 is a central processing unit (CPU).

[0013] The processor 120 includes a processing circuit 122, a precise time protocol program 124, and a storage circuit 126. The processing circuit 122 is coupled to the precise time protocol program 124 and the storage circuit 126.

[0014] In some embodiments, the processing circuit 122 is the main hardware circuit in the central processing unit that performs various operations and processes. In some embodiments, the precision time protocol program 124 is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and this non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores the precision time protocol code. The precision time protocol is a network protocol used to synchronize clocks throughout a network. In some embodiments, the storage circuit 126 is flash memory, but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0015] Please refer to the above. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 . Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a network switch 200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the method of operating 200 is applied to a network switch 100.

[0016] like Figure 2 For example, operation method 200 includes operations S202, S204, S206, S208, S210, S212, S214 and S216.

[0017] In operation S202, the processing circuit 122 in the processor 120 sets a first preset virtual local area network (VLAN) channel. Specifically, after the power-on procedure of the network switch 100, the processing circuit 122 in the processor 120 can set one of a plurality of candidate VLAN channels as the first preset VLAN channel for the precise time protocol program 124.

[0018] For example, suppose there are candidate virtual local area network (VLAN) channels VLAN(X), VLAN(Y), and VLAN(Z). The processing circuitry 122 in processor 120 can set VLAN(X) as the first preset VLAN channel. That is, VLAN(X) can then be used to execute the precision time protocol program 124. The other VLANs VLAN(Y) and VLAN(Z) can then be used by other applications.

[0019] In operation S204, the processing circuit 122 in the processor 120 records this first preset virtual area network channel VLAN(X).

[0020] Next, refer to Figures 1 to 3 . Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a Precision Time Protocol (PK) data packet illustrated according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] In operation S206, the Precision Time Protocol circuit 110 receives the Precision Time Protocol data packet PK (first Precision Time Protocol data packet) and determines whether the Precision Time Protocol data packet PK carries a Virtual Area Network tag 300 (first Virtual Area Network tag).

[0022] When the Virtual Area Network label 300 is carried in the Precision Time Protocol data packet PK (e.g.) Figure 3 (As shown) (if the judgment result of operation S206 is "yes"), the Precision Time Protocol circuit 110 transmits the Precision Time Protocol data packet PK to the processor 120 and enters operation S208. If the Precision Time Protocol data packet PK does not carry the Virtual Area Network tag 300 (if the judgment result of operation S206 is "no"), then operation S206 is maintained to continuously receive the Precision Time Protocol data packet PK.

[0023] In operation S208, when the Precision Time Protocol data packet PK carries the Virtual Area Network tag 300, the processing circuit 122 in the processor 120 determines whether the Virtual Area Network tag 300 conforms to the first preset Virtual Area Network Channel VLAN(X).

[0024] When the virtual area network label 300 matches the first preset virtual area network channel VLAN(X) (the judgment result of operation S208 is "yes"), proceed to operation S210. When the virtual area network label 300 does not match the first preset virtual area network channel VLAN(X) (the judgment result of operation S208 is "no"), proceed to operation S212.

[0025] In operation S210, when the virtual area network tag 300 matches the first preset virtual area network channel VLAN (X), the processing circuit 122 in the processor 120 executes the precise time protocol program 124 through the first preset virtual area network channel VLAN (X).

[0026] However, as Figure 3 As shown, assume that the virtual area network (VLAN) tag 300 records a virtual area network channel VLAN (Y). That is, the virtual area network channel VLAN (Y) recorded by the virtual area network tag 300 does not match the first preset virtual area network channel VLAN (X). At this time, operation S212 is entered. In operation S212, the processing circuit 122 in the processor 120 sets the current virtual area network channel VLAN (Y) in the virtual area network tag 300 to the second preset virtual area network channel.

[0027] Next, in operation S210, the processing circuit 122 in the processor 120 executes the precise time protocol program 124 through the second preset virtual area network channel VLAN (Y).

[0028] In some related technologies, network switches can only execute precise time protocol programs through a fixed, preset virtual local area network (VLAN) channel. Changing this preset VLAN channel requires additional setup time and can affect the stability of the network switch and the entire network.

[0029] Compared to the aforementioned related technologies, in this disclosure, the current virtual local area network channel VLAN (Y) recorded in the virtual local area network tag 300 can be dynamically set as a new preset virtual local area network channel to execute the precise time protocol program 124 through the current virtual local area network channel VLAN (Y). Thus, the precise time protocol program 124 can be executed dynamically and adaptively to improve overall efficiency.

[0030] On the other hand, in operation S214, in addition to setting the current virtual area network channel VLAN (Y) in the virtual area network tag 300 as the second preset virtual area network channel, the processing circuit 122 in the processor 120 also stores the second preset virtual area network channel VLAN (Y) in the storage circuit 126.

[0031] Next, in operation S216, after the next boot procedure of the network switch 100, the processing circuit 122 in the processor 120 can load the second preset virtual area network channel VLAN (Y) from the storage circuit 126.

[0032] Next, we return to operation S206. In operation S206, the precise time protocol circuit 110 continuously receives new precise time protocol data packets PK (second precise time protocol data packets) (later than the aforementioned first precise time protocol data packets) and continuously determines whether the new precise time protocol data packets PK carry a virtual area network label 300 (second virtual area network label).

[0033] When a new Precise Time Protocol (PTP) data packet PK carries a Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) tag 300 (the result of operation S206 is "Yes"), operation S208 is entered again. In operation S208, the processing circuit 122 in the processor 120 determines whether the VLAN tag 300 in the new PTP data packet PK matches the second preset VLAN channel VLAN (Y). If the VLAN tag 300 in the new PTP data packet PK matches the second preset VLAN channel VLAN (Y) (the result of operation S208 is "Yes"), operation S210 is entered again. If the VLAN tag 300 in the new PTP data packet PK does not match the second preset VLAN channel VLAN (Y) (the result of operation S208 is "No"), operation S212 is entered again.

[0034] In operation S210, the processing circuit 122 in the processor 120 executes the precise time protocol program 124 through the second preset virtual area network channel VLAN(Y).

[0035] In operation S212, the processing circuit 122 in the processor 120 sets the current virtual area network channel in the virtual area network tag 300 to the third preset virtual area network channel. Subsequent operations follow the same pattern.

[0036] In some other embodiments, operations S214 and S216 can be omitted. This saves time in storing the preset virtual local area network channel to the storage circuit 126.

[0037] In summary, this disclosure allows for the dynamic configuration of new preset virtual local area network (VLAN) channels to execute precise time protocol procedures. This enables dynamic and adaptive execution of precise time protocol procedures, thereby improving overall efficiency.

[0038] Although this disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, it is not intended to limit this disclosure. Any person skilled in the art may make various modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure shall be determined by the appended claims.

[0039] [Symbol Explanation]

[0040] 100: Network Switch

[0041] 110: Precision Time Protocol Circuit

[0042] 120: Processor

[0043] 122: Processing Circuit

[0044] 124: Precise Time Protocol Program

[0045] 126: Storage circuit

[0046] 200: Operating Method

[0047] 300: Virtual Local Area Network Label

[0048] S202: Operation

[0049] S204: Operation

[0050] S206: Operation

[0051] S208: Operation

[0052] S210: Operation

[0053] S212: Operation

[0054] S214: Operation

[0055] S216: Operation

[0056] PK: Precision Time Protocol Data Packet

[0057] VLAN(X): Virtual Local Area Network Channel

[0058] VLAN (Y): Virtual Local Area Network Channel

[0059] VLAN(Z): Virtual Local Area Network Channel

Claims

1. A network switch, comprising: A precise time protocol circuit is used to determine whether the first precise time protocol data packet carries a first virtual area network tag; as well as The processor, coupled to the precise time protocol circuit, is used to execute: When the first precise time protocol data packet carries the first virtual area network tag, it is determined whether the first virtual area network tag conforms to the first preset virtual area network channel; as well as When the first virtual area network tag does not match the first preset virtual area network channel, the current virtual area network channel in the first virtual area network tag is set as the second preset virtual area network channel and the precise time protocol program is executed through the second preset virtual area network channel.

2. The network switch of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to perform: After the boot process, for the precise time protocol program, one of the plurality of candidate virtual local area network channels is set as the first preset virtual local area network channel; and the first preset virtual local area network channel is recorded.

3. The network switch according to claim 1, wherein the precise time protocol circuit is further configured to receive the first precise time protocol data packet, and transmit the first precise time protocol data packet to the processor if the first precise time protocol data packet carries the first virtual area network tag.

4. The network switch of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to perform: When the first virtual area network tag matches the first preset virtual area network channel, the precise time protocol program is executed through the first preset virtual area network channel.

5. The network switch of claim 1, wherein the processor includes storage circuitry, and wherein the processor is further configured to perform: When the first virtual area network tag does not match the first preset virtual area network channel, the second preset virtual area network channel is stored in the storage circuit.

6. The network switch of claim 5, wherein the processor is further configured to perform: After the next boot procedure, the second preset virtual area network channel is loaded from the storage circuit.

7. The network switch according to claim 6, wherein the precise time protocol circuit is further configured to determine whether the second precise time protocol data packet carries a second virtual area network tag, wherein the second precise time protocol data packet is later than the first precise time protocol data packet.

8. The network switch of claim 7, wherein the processor is further configured to perform: When the second precise time protocol data packet carries the second virtual area network tag, it is determined whether the second virtual area network tag conforms to the second preset virtual area network channel; and When the second virtual area network label matches the second preset virtual area network channel, the precise time protocol program is executed through the second preset virtual area network channel.

9. The network switch according to claim 1, wherein the network switch is used in an automotive network environment.

10. A method for operating a network switch, comprising: The network switch uses a Precision Time Protocol (RTP) circuit to determine whether a first Precision Time Protocol (RTP) data packet carries a first Virtual Area Network (VAN) tag. When the first Precision Time Protocol (RTP) data packet carries the first Virtual Area Network (VAN) tag, the processor in the network switch determines whether the first VAN tag conforms to the first preset VAN channel; and When the first virtual area network tag does not match the first preset virtual area network channel, the processor sets the current virtual area network channel in the first virtual area network tag to a second preset virtual area network channel and executes the precise time protocol program through the second preset virtual area network channel.

Images