COLLISION AVOIDANCE FOR A COMMUNICATION NETWORK

Abstract

A mechanism for defining a transmission sequence for communication between devices within a communication network, enabling one of the devices to operate in a priority mode. If the communication network is operating in a priority mode and the device has a specific priority value, the device is provided with more than one transmission opportunity within the transmission sequence. If the device does not have the specified priority value, the device is provided with only one transmission opportunity within the transmission sequence.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to communication networks and, in particular, to collision avoidance techniques for use in communication networks. BACKGROUND

[0002] Many communication networks comprise multiple electronic devices that share a common communication medium for transmitting data. In such networks, data collisions can occur when two or more devices attempt to transmit simultaneously, leading to data corruption and reduced network efficiency. To address this problem, collision avoidance techniques, particularly PHY-level collision avoidance (PLCA) techniques, have been developed.

[0003] Some existing collision avoidance methods use a time-division approach to facilitate communication over a shared communication medium. In this approach, each device is assigned a specific time slot or position (known as a transmission opportunity) within a transmission sequence during which it is permitted to communicate or initiate communications. This approach may involve the use of a beacon signal to synchronize devices and coordinate communications, with the beacon signal acting as a heartbeat for communication between devices.

[0004] A well-known example of a suitable communication protocol that works in this way is the 10BASE-T1S protocol or the 10BASE-T1S standard, which is set out, for example, in the IEEE 802.3 cg standard.

[0005] In such approaches, the shared communication medium can be, for example, an Ethernet cable.

[0006] Documents US 2019 / 0363991 A1, US 2020 / 0343993 A1, US 2020 / 0351943 A1, US 2022 / 0209984 A1, US 2022 / 0209986 A1 and CA 2,242,985 A1 describe as prior art such devices and methods in which communication relationships between sources and sinks on a common communication medium (typically the two-wire bus Ethernet 10BASE-T1S according to IEEE 802.3cg standard) are established collision-free by means of time-division multiplexing (typically by means of PHY-level Collision Avoidance, PLCA).

[0007] There is a constant desire for improved and more flexible communication technologies to conduct communication between devices via a shared communication medium. SUMMARY

[0008] This document proposes a collision avoidance module for an electronic device of a communication network, wherein the electronic device is configured to transmit data to one or more other electronic devices of the communication network via a shared communication medium only during any transmission possibilities for the electronic device.

[0009] The collision avoidance module is configured to: store a priority mode indicator that specifies whether the communication network is operating in a priority mode or not; store a priority value; define a position in a transmission sequence for each of one or more transmission possibilities for the electronic device as a respective device position, wherein each defined device position for the electronic device avoids a conflict with any device position for any transmission possibility of any of the one or more other electronic devices; and, in response to a beacon signal over the shared communication medium, traverse the transmission sequence.

[0010] The collision avoidance module is configured to, when the priority mode indicator indicates that the communication network is operating in priority mode: in response to the stored priority value having a first value from a set of one or more first values ​​that define one or more transmission possibilities as only a single transmission possibility; and in response to the stored priority value having a second value that differs from any first value of the set of one or more first values ​​that define one or more transmission possibilities as a plurality of transmission possibilities.

[0011] This document also proposes a computer-implemented method for defining transmission possibilities for an electronic device, wherein the electronic device is configured to transmit data to one or more other electronic devices of the communication network via a shared communication medium only during a transmission possibility for the electronic device.

[0012] The computer-implemented procedure comprises: storing a priority mode indicator that specifies whether the communication network is operating in a priority mode or not; storing a priority value; defining a position in a transmission sequence for each of one or more transmission possibilities for the electronic device as a respective device position, wherein each defined device position for the electronic device avoids a conflict with any device position for any transmission possibility of any of the one or more other electronic devices; and, in response to a beacon signal over the shared communication medium, traversing the transmission sequence.

[0013] The computer-implemented procedure includes, when the priority mode indicator indicates that the communication network is operating in priority mode: in response to the stored priority value having a first value from a set of one or more first values, defining the one or more transmission possibilities as only a single transmission possibility; and in response to the stored priority value having a second value that differs from any first value of the set of one or more first values, defining the one or more transmission possibilities as a plurality of transmission possibilities.

[0014] The expert will recognize additional features and advantages upon reading the following detailed description and upon examining the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and without limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference symbols refer to similar or identical elements. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to one another. The features of the various illustrated examples may be combined, provided they are not mutually exclusive. Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a communication network. Fig. Figure 2 illustrates an example transmission sequence. Fig. Figure 3 illustrates a proposed procedure. Fig. Figure 4 illustrates a transmission sequence resulting from the proposed procedure. Fig. Figure 5 illustrates another transmission sequence that results from the proposed procedure. Fig. Figure 6 illustrates another transmission sequence that results from the proposed procedure. Fig. Figure 7 illustrates another transmission sequence that results from the proposed procedure. Fig. Figure 8 illustrates another transmission sequence that results from the proposed procedure. Fig. Figure 9 illustrates another transmission sequence that results from the proposed procedure. Fig. Figure 10 illustrates a section of an electronic device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The examples described herein provide a mechanism for defining a transmission sequence for communication between devices within a communication network, enabling one of the devices to operate in a priority mode. If the communication network is operating in a priority mode and the device has a certain priority value, the device is provided with more than one transmission opportunity within the transmission sequence. If the device does not have the certain priority value, the device is provided with only one transmission opportunity within the transmission sequence.

[0017] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a communication network 100 in which proposed embodiments can be used for better contextual understanding.

[0018] The communication network 100 comprises a variety of electronic devices 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 that are configured to communicate via an identical, shared communication medium 110.

[0019] The communication medium 110 can, for example, comprise a single cable, such as an Ethernet cable. The shared communication medium effectively acts as a bus to facilitate external communication from any electronic device.

[0020] As a functional example, the communication network 100 can be a sensor network in which at least some of the electronic devices include a sensor for monitoring an external parameter (e.g., temperature, user interaction, motion, etc.). Values ​​monitored by each sensor can be transmitted via the communication network, e.g., to a specific electronic device.

[0021] There is a requirement for each electronic device 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 of the communication network 100 to use a collision avoidance technique to prevent or avoid different electronic devices attempting to communicate simultaneously over the shared communication medium. This is because simultaneous attempts to transmit data from different devices can corrupt the transmitted data or introduce noise into it. In other words, a half-duplex communication protocol or half-duplex communication technique should be used.

[0022] Each electronic device uses a collision avoidance module to coordinate or control communications using a collision avoidance technique in order to minimize or reduce the risk of data collision over the communication medium 110.

[0023] In some well-known or existing communication protocols, such as that defined by the 10BASE-T1S protocol or standard (e.g., the IEEE 802.3 cg standard(s)), each electronic device is effectively assigned to a different device position. The device position defines a position within a transmission sequence for the electronic device. When a beacon signal is sent over the communication medium, each electronic device progresses through the transmission sequence until it reaches its assigned device position. The beacon signal thus acts as a heartbeat for the communication protocol. The electronic device then has a transmission window during which it is permitted to begin or initiate the transmission of data.In particular, the electronic device is configured to transmit data to one or more other electronic devices in the communication network over the shared communication medium only during the transmission opportunity for the electronic device. When the transmission opportunity expires, the electronic device may, if necessary, move on through the transmission sequence. The beacon signal is retransmitted each time the transmission sequence is completed. The beacon signal(s) may be transmitted or broadcast by a coordinating device (sometimes known as a host device or a coordinating device) of the electronic devices (101, 102, 103, 104, 105).

[0024] In some known approaches, each electronic device can traverse the transmission sequence by waiting a predetermined amount of time (which can be called a transmission possibility duration), e.g., a specific number of clock cycles or frames, at each position in the sequence before moving on to the next position. If any electronic device wishes to transmit data, it can transmit or broadcast a commit communication (which can simply be called a "commit") during its transmission possibility to reserve the communication medium for the transmission of (some) data. Typically, a commit is only able to reserve the communication medium for a second predetermined period, at least to allow urgent communications from other electronic devices to be transmitted.When a commit signal is received from or detected by another electronic device, it will further delay the execution of the transmission sequence for the second predetermined duration. Thus, data transmission is delayed when a commit signal is identified.

[0025] The approach described above is also known in the context of an Ethernet communication protocol defined by the IEEE 802.3 cg-2019 standard as a PHY-level collision avoidance scheme (PLCA scheme). Similarly, a collision avoidance module can be referred to as a PLCA module or simply as a PLCA.

[0026] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary transmission sequence 200 through which each electronic device cycles in response to a beacon signal on the shared communication medium. The transmission sequence includes a respective device position D1, D2, D3, D4, D5 for each electronic device, defining a transmission opportunity for that device. Each transmission opportunity has a first predetermined duration (i.e., a first predetermined time period).

[0027] In the illustrated example, one of the electronic devices transmits a commit C during its corresponding transmission capability. This commit serves to reserve the communication medium for the electronic device for a second predetermined period (i.e., a second predetermined duration). The electronic device can then transmit data, i.e., a data communication, DATA during this second predetermined period.

[0028] The second time period effectively acts or functions to extend the length or duration of the transmission opportunity for the device transmitting the commit during the transmission opportunity, in order to facilitate the transmission of data.

[0029] It is recognized herein that if an electronic device wishes to communicate or transmit a large amount of data, the electronic device may require more than one iteration of the transmission sequence (which provides the possibility for each other electronic device to communicate successively) in order to transmit the data or otherwise communicate.

[0030] The present disclosure proposes introducing a priority mechanism into a collision avoidance technique used by electronic devices in a communication network. The proposed priority mechanism provides an electronic device (operating in a priority device mode) with more than one transmission opportunity per transmission sequence. In other words, an electronic device operating in a priority device mode (i.e., a priority device) is provided with a plurality of device positions in the transmission opportunity, thus offering it more than one transmission opportunity for each iteration of the transmission sequence.

[0031] The proposed approach increases the frequency and / or number of transmission opportunities provided to a device operating in priority device mode. This facilitates, for example, faster transmission of large amounts of data and / or allows the electronic device to communicate the occurrence of one or more events at the electronic device more quickly.

[0032] Conceptually, a priority device mode (defined on a per-device basis) and a priority mode (defined for the entire network) are proposed. An electronic device can operate in a priority device mode in which it is provided with a variety of transmission options.

[0033] A communication network operates in priority mode only if at least one electronic device is operating in priority device mode. Thus, the priority mode indicates whether or not at least one electronic device in the communication network is operating in priority device mode.

[0034] For brevity, an electronic device operating in a priority device mode may be referred to as a priority device.

[0035] Fig. Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a computer-implemented method 300 for defining transmission possibilities for an electronic device. The computer-implemented method 300 can, for example, be executed by a collision avoidance module for an electronic device.

[0036] Procedure 300 includes step 310 of storing a priority mode indicator (PMI). The priority mode indicator indicates whether the communication network is operating in priority mode (PM) or not.

[0037] In this context, the communication network can be switched to operate in a priority mode. When it is operating in priority mode, at least one electronic device operates in a priority device mode (PDM), as described later. When it is not operating in priority mode, none of the electronic device(s) operate in a priority device mode.

[0038] Procedure 300 also includes a step 320 of storing a priority value. As explained later in the context, the priority value indicates whether the electronic device (for which the procedure is performed) is operating in priority device mode. The priority value can take one of a set of one or more first values ​​or a second value. Each first value identifies that one of the other electronic devices is the priority device (i.e., the electronic device is not the priority device). A second value of the priority value indicates that the electronic device is the priority device.

[0039] The priority value can, for example, include a binary indicator of whether the electronic device operates in priority device mode or not, i.e., whether the electronic device is a priority device or not. In this case, the set of one or more first values ​​includes a single value indicating that the electronic device does not operate in priority device mode (i.e., is not a priority device). The second value of the priority value indicates that the electronic device is the priority device.

[0040] As another example, the priority value can include an identifier of the electronic device operating in priority device mode. In this case, the set of one or more first values ​​comprises the same number of first values ​​as other electronic devices in the communication network. Each first value identifies which of the other one or more electronic devices is the priority device. The second value of the priority value indicates that the electronic device is the priority device.

[0041] Method 300 also includes a step 330 of defining, as a respective device position, a position in a transmission sequence for each of one or more transmission possibilities for the electronic device. Each defined device position for the electronic device avoids a conflict with any device position for any transmission possibility of any of the other one or more electronic devices.

[0042] In particular, step 330 includes substep 335 of determining whether the priority mode indicator indicates that the communication network is operating in priority mode. In response to a positive determination in substep 335 (i.e., the priority mode indicator indicates that the communication network is operating in priority mode), the procedure performs substep 331 or substep 332 following substep 336.

[0043] Substep 331, in response to the stored priority value being one of a set of one or more first values, involves defining the one or more transmission possibilities as only a single transmission possibility. Thus, substep 331 is performed when the electronic device is not a priority device.

[0044] Substep 332, in response to the stored priority value having a second value that differs from any of the set of one or more first values, involves defining the one or more transmission possibilities as a plurality of transmission possibilities. Thus, step 332 is only performed if the electronic device is a priority device.

[0045] For example, if the priority value is a binary indicator of whether the electronic device should operate in priority device mode (Yes) or not (No), then sub-step 332 can be performed if the binary indicator indicates that the electronic device should operate in priority device mode (Yes); otherwise (No), sub-step 331 is performed.

[0046] As another example, if the priority value is an identifier of the electronic device (communication network) that is to operate in priority device mode, then substep 332 can be performed if the priority value indicates that the electronic device (for which procedure 300 is performed) is to operate in priority device mode (Yes), and substep 331 can be performed otherwise (No) (i.e., if any other electronic device is operating in priority device mode).

[0047] The determination of whether the priority device mode has a first value or a second value can be performed in determination step 336. Step 336 effectively determines whether the electronic device operates in priority device mode (i.e., when the priority value takes the second value) or not in priority device mode (i.e., when the priority value takes a first value of the set of one or more first values).

[0048] Method 300 also includes a step 340 of traversing the transmission sequence in response to a beacon signal over the shared communication medium. In this way, the electronic device can operate in a similar manner to the one described previously.

[0049] In some examples, step 340 can be performed by starting at an initial position in the transmission sequence and iteratively by: starting a timer; in response to data transmission by the electronic device or any other electronic device over the shared communication medium that occurs before the timer reaches a transmission possibility duration, waiting until the data transmission has ended before proceeding to the next position in the transmission sequence; and in response to data transmission by the electronic device or any other electronic device over the shared communication medium that occurs before the timer reaches the transmission possibility duration, proceeding to the next position in the transmission sequence in response to the timer reaching the transmission possibility duration.

[0050] In some examples, step 330 also includes, in response to a negative determination in sub-step 335 (i.e., when the priority mode indicator indicates that the communication network is not operating in priority mode), performing sub-step 339 of defining the one or more transmission possibilities for the electronic device as only a single transmission possibility. Thus, sub-step 339 defines only a single device position for the device.

[0051] The following describes a number of exemplary approaches for carrying out sub-steps 331, 332, and 339. The person skilled in the art will recognize that variations of these approaches can be readily achieved and that the action(s) carried out in sub-step 331 depend, at least partially, on the action(s) carried out in sub-step 332, and vice versa, in order to achieve a coherent and consistent transmission sequence across each electronic device of the communication network.

[0052] The following examples of substeps 331, 332, and 339 use a numerical identifier for the electronic device. This numerical identifier is distinct from any numerical identifier of any of the other electronic devices in the communication network. Thus, the numerical identifier can be unique among all electronic devices in the communication network. For example, the numerical identifier can be an integer value that is unique for the electronic device among all electronic devices in the communication network.

[0053] In some examples, the numerical identifier specifies a position in a sequence of devices that includes the electronic device and one or more other electronic devices in the communication network. For example, the numerical identifier can be an integer within the range of 0 to X-1 or from 1 to X (where X is the total number of electronic devices in the communication network).

[0054] Accordingly, method 300 may include a step 350 of storing a numerical identifier for the electronic device. In such approaches, substeps 331, 332, and 339 (if performed) may define the device position for each transmission possibility (for the electronic device) in response to the numerical identifier.

[0055] One approach to performing substep 339 is to define the device position for the transmission capability of the electronic device such that it is equal to the position Y of the electronic device in the sequence of devices that includes the electronic device and one or more other electronic devices. This is consistent with existing techniques and approaches for defining the transmission sequence.

[0056] The following describes several exemplary scenarios for performing sub-steps 331 and 332. In these scenarios, the numerical identifier indicates the position Y of the electronic device in the sequence of devices that includes the electronic device and one or more other electronic devices. Furthermore, these scenarios assume that only a single electronic device in the communication network operates in priority mode; that is, there is only one priority device.

[0057] In a first scenario, substep 331 may include setting the device position for the only transmission option for the electronic device to equal 2Y, where Y is the position of the device in the sequence of devices.

[0058] In this first scenario, substep 332 can include defining the electronic device such that it has X + 1 transmission possibilities and therefore X + 1 device positions in the transmission sequence (where X is the total number of electronic devices in the communication network). Specifically, the device positions can include every Z-th device position in the transmission sequence, where Z takes every odd value from 1 to 2X, as well as the device position at 2Y, where Y is the device's position in the sequence of devices.

[0059] Fig. Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary transmission sequence 400, generated by the approach revealed in the first scenario, for the communication network 100 ( Fig. 1), wherein the electronic device 102 acts as the priority device. For clarity, in Fig. 4. An identifier for the electronic device that is assigned to each device position is provided.

[0060] The transmission sequence includes at least one device position D1, D2-1, D2-2, D2-3, D2-4, D2-5, D2-6, D3, D4, D5 for each electronic device. A plurality of device positions is defined for the electronic device 102, which operates in priority device mode. Thus, at least one electronic device (operating in priority device mode) is assigned to a plurality of transmission possibilities.

[0061] In a second scenario, substep 331 may include setting the device position for the only transmission option for the electronic device to equal 2Y-1, where Y is the position of the device in the sequence of devices.

[0062] In this second scenario, substep 332 can include defining the electronic device such that it has X + 1 transmission possibilities and therefore X + 1 device positions in the transmission sequence (where X is the total number of electronic devices in the communication network). Specifically, the device positions can include every Z-th device position in the transmission sequence, where Z takes every even value from 1 to 2X, as well as the device position at 2Y-1, where Y is the device's position in the sequence of devices.

[0063] Fig. Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary transmission sequence 500, generated by the approach revealed in the second scenario, for the communication network 100 ( Fig. 1), wherein the electronic device 102 acts as the priority device. For clarity, in Fig. 5. An identifier for the electronic device that is assigned to each device position is provided.

[0064] The transmission sequence includes at least one device position D1, D2-1, D2-2, D2-3, D2-4, D2-5, D2-6, D3, D4, D5 for each electronic device. A plurality of device positions is defined for the electronic device 102, which operates in priority device mode. Thus, at least one electronic device (operating in priority device mode) is assigned to a plurality of transmission possibilities.

[0065] The first and second scenarios can be carried out if the priority value for the electronic device includes either a binary indicator of whether the electronic device is a priority device or not, or an identifier of the electronic device operating in priority device mode.

[0066] In the following scenarios, the priority value for the electronic device includes an identifier of the electronic device operating in priority device mode.

[0067] In a third scenario, substep 331 may involve setting the device position for the only possible transfer point for the electronic device to equal to M. In this third scenario, M is equal to 2N, where N is the position of the electronic device in a modified sequence of devices. The modified sequence of devices is the sequence of devices that excludes the priority device identified by the priority value. The value of N for the electronic device may be defined to be equal to the value of Y-1 (if the electronic device is later in the sequence of devices than the priority device—as indicated by the priority value) or Y (if the electronic device is earlier in the sequence of devices than the priority device).

[0068] In this third scenario, substep 332 can include defining the electronic device such that it has X - 1 transmission possibilities and therefore X - 1 device positions in the transmission sequence (where X is the total number of electronic devices in the communication network). Specifically, the device positions can include every Z-th device position in the transmission sequence, where Z takes any odd value from 1 to 2(X-1).

[0069] Fig. Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary transmission sequence 600, generated by the approach revealed in the third scenario, for the communication network 100 ( Fig. 1), wherein the electronic device 102 acts as the priority device. For clarity, in Fig. 6. An identifier for the electronic device that is assigned to each device position is provided.

[0070] The transmission sequence includes at least one device position D1, D2-1, D2-2, D2-3, D2-4, D3, D4, D5 for each electronic device. A plurality of device positions is defined for the electronic device 102, which operates in priority device mode. Thus, at least one electronic device (operating in priority device mode) is assigned to a plurality of transmission possibilities.

[0071] In a fourth scenario, substep 331 may involve setting the device position for the only possible transfer of the electronic device to equal to M. In this fourth scenario, M is equal to 2N-1, where N is the position of the electronic device in a modified sequence of devices. The modified sequence of devices is the sequence of devices that excludes the priority device identified by the priority value.

[0072] The value of N for the electronic device can be defined such that it is equal to the value of Y-1 (if the electronic device is later in the sequence of devices than the priority device - as indicated by the priority value) or Y (if the electronic device is earlier in the sequence of devices than the priority device).

[0073] In this fourth scenario, substep 332 can include defining the electronic device such that it has X - 1 transmission possibilities and therefore X - 1 device positions in the transmission sequence (where X is the total number of electronic devices in the communication network). Specifically, the device positions can include every Z-th device position in the transmission sequence, where Z takes any even value from 1 to 2(X-1).

[0074] Fig. Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary transmission sequence 700, generated by the approach revealed in the fourth scenario, for the communication network 100 ( Fig. 1), wherein the electronic device 102 acts as the priority device. For clarity, in Fig. 7. An identifier for the electronic device that is assigned to each device position is provided.

[0075] The transmission sequence includes at least one device position D1, D2-1, D2-2, D2-3, D2-4, D3, D4, D5 for each electronic device. A plurality of device positions is defined for the electronic device 102, which operates in priority device mode. Thus, at least one electronic device (operating in priority device mode) is assigned to a plurality of transmission possibilities.

[0076] For the approaches described by the third and fourth examples, the total number of transmission possibilities (and therefore corresponding device positions) for the priority device is equal to the total number of transmission possibilities for all other electronic devices connected to the same communication medium (i.e., in the communication network).

[0077] In a fifth scenario, substep 331 can include setting the device position for the single transmission option for the electronic device to equal to M. In this fifth scenario, M is equal to 1 + N + RND((N-1) / P), where N is the position of the electronic device in a modified sequence of devices, P is a predetermined integer less than (X-1) and preferably an integer factor of (X-1), where X is the total number of electronic devices in the communication network. The function RND(·) is a round-down function that rounds the enclosed value (·) down to the nearest integer less than the enclosed value. As stated previously, the modified sequence of devices is the sequence of devices that excludes the priority device identified by the priority value.The value of N for the electronic device can be defined such that it is equal to the value of Y-1 (if the electronic device is later in the sequence of devices than the priority device - as indicated by the priority value) or Y (if the electronic device is earlier in the sequence of devices than the priority device).

[0078] In this fifth scenario, substep 332 can include defining the electronic device such that it has (X-1) / P transmission possibilities and therefore (X-1) / P device positions (where X is the total number of electronic devices in the communication network and P is a predetermined integer less than (X-1) and preferably an integer factor of (X-1)). In particular, the device positions include positions a1, a n defined by: a1=1an=an−1+P+1 where n takes on any value between 2 and (X-1) / P.

[0079] Fig. Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary transmission sequence 800, generated by the approach revealed in the fifth scenario, for the communication network 100 ( Fig. 1), wherein the electronic device 102 acts as the priority device. For clarity, in Fig. 8. An identifier for the electronic device that is assigned to each device position is provided.

[0080] The transmission sequence includes at least one device position D1, D2-1, D2-2, D2-3, D2-4, D3, D4, D5 for each electronic device. A plurality of device positions is defined for the electronic device 102, which operates in priority device mode. Thus, at least one electronic device (operating in priority device mode) is assigned to a plurality of transmission possibilities (namely: (X-1) / P transmission possibilities, where P here equals 2).

[0081] In a sixth scenario, substep 331 can include setting the device position for the single transmission option for the electronic device to equal to M. In this fifth scenario, M is equal to N + RND((N-1) / P), where N is the position of the electronic device in a modified sequence of devices, P is a predetermined integer less than (X-1) and preferably an integer factor of (X-1), and X is the total number of electronic devices in the communication network. The function RND(·) is a round-down function that rounds the enclosed value (·) down to the nearest integer less than the enclosed value. As stated previously, the modified sequence of devices is the sequence of devices that excludes the priority device identified by the priority value.The value of N for the electronic device can be defined such that it is equal to the value of Y-1 (if the electronic device is later in the sequence of devices than the priority device - as indicated by the priority value) or Y (if the electronic device is earlier in the sequence of devices than the priority device).

[0082] In this sixth scenario, substep 332 can include defining the electronic device such that it has (X-1) / P transmission possibilities and therefore (X-1) / P device positions (where X is the total number of electronic devices in the communication network and P is a predetermined integer less than (X-1) and preferably an integer factor of (X-1)). In particular, the device positions include positions b1, b n , defined by: b1=P+1bn=bb−1+P+1 where n takes on any value between 2 and (X-1) / P.

[0083] Thus, each (P+1)th position in the transmission sequence is assigned to the electronic device operating in priority mode (i.e., the priority device).

[0084] Fig. Figure 9 illustrates an exemplary transmission sequence 900, generated by the approach revealed in the sixth scenario, for the communication network 100 ( Fig. 1), wherein the electronic device 102 acts as the priority device. For clarity, in Fig. 9. An identifier for the electronic device that is assigned to each device position is provided.

[0085] The transmission sequence includes at least one device position D1, D2-1, D2-2, D3, D4, D5 for each electronic device. A plurality of device positions is defined for electronic device 102, which operates in priority device mode. Thus, at least one electronic device (operating in priority device mode) is assigned to a plurality of transmission possibilities (namely: (X-1) / P transmission possibilities, where P here equals 2).

[0086] The foregoing provides a number of exemplary approaches for defining a transmission sequence at the device level. The approaches outlined above are implemented or executed by a collision avoidance module for an electronic device in a communication network.

[0087] To provide a better contextual understanding, illustrated Fig.10 a section of an electronic device 1000 that includes a collision avoidance module 1010. This helps to contextualize a possible position or communicative connection between the collision avoidance module and other components of the electronic device.

[0088] The electronic device comprises a media access module (also known as a media access controller (MAC)) 1005 and a transceiver module (PHY) 1020. An alternative name for the media access module 1005 is an access control module. An alternative name for the transceiver module 1020 is a PHY chip or PHY module.

[0089] The media access module 1005 is configured to control the electronic device's access to the communication medium 1050, which itself may be an Ethernet cable. The media access module 1005 may be integrated into a microcontroller 1003 or another processor of the electronic device, for example, on the same chip or within the same package as the microcontroller and / or as a module or element of the microcontroller.

[0090] The 1020 transceiver module is configured to transmit data over the shared communication medium; that is, to perform the task of implementing the physical layer functionality for modulating and demodulating data from the electronic device to / from the communication medium. In other words, the transceiver module is configured to perform data delivery over the 1050 physical communication medium (e.g., generating electrical signals for data delivery).

[0091] The collision avoidance module 1010 acts as an intermediary between the media access module 1005 and the transceiver module 1020. In particular, the collision avoidance module is designed to allow the transmission of data by the transceiver module only during any transmission possibilities for the electronic device (as defined using a previously described approach).

[0092] The media access module 1005, the collision avoidance module 1010 and the transceiver module 1020 can be connected by any suitable connecting elements, such as a media-independent interface standard interface (MII standard interface), examples of which are well known in the technology.

[0093] In the illustrated example, the collision avoidance module 1010 is also integrated into the microcontroller 1003. However, this is not essential, and the collision avoidance module can instead be implemented as / on an independent chip or as / on the same chip as the transceiver module 1020 (e.g., integrated into a / the PHY chip).

[0094] In addition to the examples described above, the following examples are disclosed.

[0095] Example 1: Collision avoidance module for an electronic device of a communication network, wherein the electronic device is configured to transmit data to one or more other electronic devices of the communication network via a shared communication medium only during any transmission possibilities for the electronic device, wherein the collision avoidance module is configured to: Storing a priority mode indicator that specifies whether the communication network is operating in a priority mode or not; Storing a priority value; Defining a position in a transmission sequence for each of one or more transmission possibilities for the electronic device as a respective device position, wherein each defined device position for the electronic device avoids a conflict with any device position for any transmission possibility of any of the one or more other electronic devices; and in response to a beacon signal over the shared communication medium, traversing the transmission sequence, where the collision avoidance module is configured to, when the priority mode indicator indicates that the communication network is operating in priority mode: in response to the fact that the stored priority value has a first value from a set of one or more first values ​​that define one or more transmission possibilities as only a single transmission possibility; and in response to the fact that the stored priority value has a second value that differs from any first value of the set of one or more first values, defining one or more transmission possibilities as a multitude of transmission possibilities.

[0096] Example 2: Collision avoidance module according to Example 1, wherein the collision avoidance module is configured to define, in response to the priority mode indicator indicating that the communication network is operating in priority mode and the stored priority value having the second value, the respective device positions for the plurality of transmission possibilities as being separated by at least one other position in the transmission sequence.

[0097] Example 3: Collision avoidance module according to Example 2, wherein the collision avoidance module is configured to define, in response to the priority mode indicator indicating that the communication network is operating in priority mode and the stored priority value having the second value, the respective device positions for the multitude of transmission possibilities as being separated by exactly one other position in the transmission sequence.

[0098] Example 4: Collision avoidance module according to one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the collision avoidance module is configured to: to store a numerical identifier for the electronic device, wherein the numerical identifier is different from any numerical identifier of any one or more other electronic devices of the communication network; and In response to the priority mode indicator indicating that the communication network is operating in priority mode, and the stored priority value having a first value from the set of one or more first values, to define the device position for the only transmission possibility in response to the numerical identifier.

[0099] Example 5: Collision avoidance module according to Example 4, wherein the numerical identifier indicates a position in a sequence of devices that includes the electronic device and one or more other electronic devices of the communication network.

[0100] Example 6: Collision avoidance module according to one of examples 1 to 5, where: the priority value identifies which, if any, of the electronic device and one or more other electronic devices is a priority device in the communication network; Each first value identifies that one or more of the other electronic devices is the priority device; and The second value of the priority value indicates that the electronic device is the priority device.

[0101] Example 7: Collision avoidance module according to Example 6, when dependent on Example 5, where the collision avoidance module is configured to: In response to the priority mode indicator indicating that the communication network is operating in priority mode, and the stored priority value having a first value from a set of one or more first values, to define the device position as the M-th position in the transmission sequence, wherein: M is equal to (2N) or (2N - 1); and N is equal to the position of the electronic device in a modified sequence of devices, which is the sequence of devices that excludes the priority device identified by the priority value. 1

[0102] Example 8: Collision avoidance module based on one of Examples 1 to 7, configured to: to store a transmission time; and Traversing the transmission sequence by starting at a first position in the transmission sequence and iteratively through: Starting a timer; in response to a data transmission by the electronic device or any other electronic device over the shared communication medium that occurs before the timer reaches the transmission possibility duration, wait until the data transmission has ended before proceeding to the next position in the transmission sequence; and In response to a data transmission by the electronic device or any other electronic device over the shared communication medium that occurs before the timer reaches the transmission possibility duration, proceed to the next position in the transmission sequence in response to the timer reaching the transmission possibility duration.

[0103] Example 9: Collision avoidance module according to one of Examples 1 to 8, where the shared communication medium is an Ethernet cable.

[0104] Example 10: Communication arrangement for an electronic device, comprising: a media access module for controlling the electronic device's access to the communication medium; a transceiver module for transmitting data over the shared communication medium; and the collision avoidance module according to one of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the collision avoidance module is further configured to allow the transmission of data by the transceiver module only during any transmission possibilities for the electronic device.

[0105] Example 11: Communication network comprising a plurality of electronic devices, each electronic device comprising the communication arrangement according to Example 10 and being communicatively connected through the shared communication medium.

[0106] Example 12: Communication network according to Example 13, where the shared communication medium is an Ethernet cable.

[0107] Example 13: Computer-implemented method for defining transmission possibilities for an electronic device, wherein the electronic device is configured to transmit data to one or more other electronic devices of the communication network via a shared communication medium only during a transmission possibility for the electronic device, wherein the computer-implemented method comprises: Storing a priority mode indicator that specifies whether the communication network is operating in a priority mode or not; Storing a priority value; Defining a position in a transmission sequence for each of one or more transmission possibilities for the electronic device as a respective device position, wherein each defined device position for the electronic device avoids a conflict with any device position for any transmission possibility of any of the one or more other electronic devices; and in response to a beacon signal over the shared communication medium, traversing the transmission sequence, where the computer-implemented procedure includes, when the priority mode indicator indicates that the communication network is operating in priority mode: In response to the fact that the stored priority value has a first value from a set of one or more first values, defining the one or more transmission possibilities as only a single transmission possibility; and In response to the fact that the stored priority value has a second value that differs from any first value of the set of one or more first values, defining the one or more transmission possibilities as a multitude of transmission possibilities.

[0108] Although specific examples have been illustrated and described here, the person skilled in the art will recognize that a multitude of alternative and / or equivalent implementations can replace the specific examples shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific examples discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this invention is limited only by the claims and their equivalents.

[0109] It should be noted that the modules, devices, arrangements, and methods, including their preferred embodiments, as set forth in this document, can be used alone or in combination with the other modules, devices, arrangements, and methods disclosed herein. Furthermore, the features set forth in the context of a module, device, and / or arrangement are also applicable to a corresponding method, and vice versa. Moreover, all aspects of the modules, devices, arrangements, and methods set forth in this document can be combined in any way. In particular, the features of the claims can be combined with one another in any manner.

[0110] It should be noted that the description and drawings merely illustrate the principles of the proposed methods and systems. A person skilled in the art will be able to implement various arrangements which, although not explicitly described or shown here, embody the principles of the invention and are contained within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples and embodiments set forth in this document are expressly intended primarily for illustrative purposes only, to assist the reader in understanding the principles of the proposed methods and systems. Moreover, all statements herein that provide principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to include equivalents thereof.

Claims

[1] Collision avoidance module (1010) for an electronic device of a communication network (100), wherein the electronic device is configured to transmit data to one or more other electronic devices of the communication network (100) via a shared communication medium (110, 1050) only during any transmission possibilities for the electronic device, wherein the collision avoidance module (1010) is configured to: Storing a priority mode indicator (310) that indicates whether the communication network (100) is operating in a priority mode or not; Storing a priority value (320); Defining a position in a transmission sequence (339) for each of one or more transmission possibilities for the electronic device as a respective device position, wherein each defined device position for the electronic device avoids a conflict with any device position for any transmission possibility of any of the one or more other electronic devices; and in response to a beacon signal over the shared communication medium (110, 1050), traversing the transmission sequence (340), wherein the collision avoidance module (1010) is configured to, when the priority mode indicator indicates that the communication network (100) is operating in priority mode: in response to the fact that the stored priority value has a first value from a set of one or more first values, defining one or more transmission possibilities as only a single transmission possibility (331); and in response to the fact that the stored priority value has a second value that differs from any first value of the set of one or more first values, defining one or more transmission possibilities as a plurality of transmission possibilities (332). [2] Collision avoidance module (1010) according to claim 1, wherein the collision avoidance module (1010) is configured to define, in response to the priority mode indicator indicating that the communication network (100) is operating in priority mode and the stored priority value having the second value, the respective device positions for the plurality of transmission possibilities as being separated by at least one other position in the transmission sequence. [3] Collision avoidance module (1010) according to claim 2, wherein the collision avoidance module (1010) is configured to define, in response to the priority mode indicator indicating that the communication network (100) is operating in priority mode and the stored priority value having the second value, the respective device positions for the plurality of transmission possibilities as being separated by exactly one other position in the transmission sequence. [4] Collision avoidance module (1010) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the collision avoidance module (1010) is configured to: Storing a numerical identifier for the electronic device, wherein the numerical identifier is distinct from any numerical identifier of any one or more other electronic devices of the communication network (100); and In response to the priority mode indicator indicating that the communication network (100) is operating in priority mode, and the stored priority value having a first value from the set of one or more first values, defining the device position for the only transmission possibility in response to the numerical identifier. [5] Collision avoidance module (1010) according to claim 4, wherein the numerical identifier indicates a position in a sequence of devices comprising the electronic device and one or more other electronic devices of the communication network (100). [6] Collision avoidance module (1010) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: the priority value identifies which, if any, of the electronic device and of one or more other electronic devices is a priority device in the communication network (100); Each first value identifies that one or more of the other electronic devices is the priority device; and The second value of the priority value indicates that the electronic device is the priority device. [7] Collision avoidance module (1010) according to claim 6, when dependent on claim 5, wherein the collision avoidance module (1010) is configured to: In response to the priority mode indicator indicating that the communication network (100) is operating in priority mode, and the stored priority value having a first value from the set of one or more first values, defining the device position as the M-th position in the transmission sequence, wherein: M is equal to (2N) or (2N - 1); and N is equal to the position of the electronic device in a modified sequence of devices, which is the sequence of devices that excludes the priority device identified by the priority value. [8] Collision avoidance module (1010) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which is configured to: Storing a transmission time period; and Traversing the transmission sequence (340) by starting at a first position in the transmission sequence and iteratively through: Starting a timer; in response to a data transmission by the electronic device or any other electronic device over the shared communication medium (110, 1050) that occurs before the timer reaches the transmission possibility duration, wait until the data transmission has ended before proceeding to the next position in the transmission sequence; and in response to a data transmission by the electronic device or any other electronic device over the shared communication medium (110, 1050) that occurs before the timer reaches the transmission possibility duration, proceed to the next position in the transmission sequence in response to the timer reaching the transmission possibility duration. [9] Collision avoidance module (1010) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the shared communication medium (110, 1050) is an Ethernet cable. [10] Communication arrangement for an electronic device, comprising: a media access module (1005) for controlling the electronic device's access to the communication medium (110, 1050); a transceiver module (1020) for transmitting data over the shared communication medium (110, 1050); and the collision avoidance module (1010) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the collision avoidance module (1010) is further configured to allow the transmission of data by the transceiver module (1020) only during any transmission possibilities for the electronic device. [11] Communication network (100) comprising a plurality of electronic devices, wherein each electronic device comprises the communication arrangement according to claim 10 and is communicatively connected through the shared communication medium (110, 1050). [12] Communication network (100) according to claim 11, wherein the shared communication medium (110, 1050) is an Ethernet cable. [13] Computer-implemented method (300) for defining transmission possibilities for an electronic device, wherein the electronic device is configured to transmit data to one or more other electronic devices of the communication network (100) via a shared communication medium (110, 1050) only during a transmission possibility for the electronic device, wherein the computer-implemented method (300) comprises: Storing a priority mode indicator (310) that indicates whether the communication network (100) is operating in a priority mode or not; Storing a priority value (320); Defining a position in a transmission sequence (339) for each of one or more transmission possibilities for the electronic device as a respective device position, wherein each defined device position for the electronic device avoids a conflict with any device position for any transmission possibility of any of the one or more other electronic devices; and in response to a beacon signal over the shared communication medium (110, 1050), traversing the transmission sequence (340), wherein the computer-implemented procedure (300) includes, if the priority mode indicator indicates that the communication network (100) is operating in the priority mode: In response to the fact that the stored priority value has a first value from a set of one or more first values, defining the one or more transmission possibilities as only a single transmission possibility; and In response to the fact that the stored priority value has a second value that differs from any first value of the set of one or more first values, defining the one or more transmission possibilities as a multitude of transmission possibilities.

Images