Method for operating a control unit for controlling network switches, and control unit per se

Abstract

The invention relates to a control unit for controlling at least one external network switch, wherein the at least one network switch is provided with a plurality of ports for multiplexing, transmitting and displaying real transmission signals via selectable transmission protocols, as well as to a control unit itself, according to the preamble of claims 1 and 8, and to a computer program product according to claim 15. To configure the method and control unit for controlling at least one external network switch in such a way that even complex stage networks having a high required functionality can be installed in a simple and time-saving manner, it is proposed according to the invention to use the at least one control interface of the control unit both to drive an or each external network switch and to change or configure settings of the respective network switch.

Description

[0001] Method for operating a control unit for controlling network switches, as well as the control unit itself

[0002] The invention relates to a control unit for controlling at least one external network switch, wherein the at least one network switch is provided with a plurality of ports for multiplexing, transmitting and displaying real transmission signals in a local network, as well as a control unit itself, according to the preamble of patent claims 1 and 11, and a computer program product according to claim 20.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] Methods and devices of this type are used in stage technology. State-of-the-art technology, for example, at www.ghost-network.com, includes a network switch that requires a computer for control. With conventional network switches of this type, a computer must first be connected to the local network in order to subsequently change the settings on the network switch ports. Such a network switch is known from DE 102018 004 505 A1, as it is used in stage technology at events.

[0005] However, large events often require a large number of network switches, the operation of which must be coordinated.

[0006] Task

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the object of designing a method for operating a control unit for controlling at least one external network switch in such a way that the installation of even complex stage networks with high required functionality is possible in a simple and time-saving manner.

[0008] Solution

[0009] The stated object is achieved in a method of the generic type, according to the invention by the characterizing features of patent claim 1.

[0010] Further procedural embodiments are specified in dependent claims 2 to 10.

[0011] With regard to such a control unit itself, the stated object is achieved according to the invention by the characterizing features of patent claim 11.

[0012] Further relevant embodiments are specified in dependent claims 12-19. With respect to a software program product, the stated object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 20.

[0013] Further advantageous embodiments of the computer program product are specified in claims 21 and 22.

[0014] The core of the invention according to the method is that one or more external network switches are controlled via the at least one control interface of the control unit and settings of the respective network switch are changed or configured.

[0015] Thus, the integration of the control unit according to the invention can assume a central control task of a network-based sound and lighting stage installation for multiple network switches. The control unit is equipped with a corresponding software program unit for operating modularized control interfaces. Connecting a computer or laptop should be possible, but not mandatory. The primary goal is to enable a data-secure local installation, although a web browser can certainly be integrated into the control unit.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method, it is provided that, by means of a software program unit, the at least one interface to the respective network switch is an interface modularized at the software level, such that possible different configuration data of the respective network switch are determined from a database.

[0017] The database in question can be created externally, whereby the control unit can access it via the web browser.

[0018] Alternatively, the network switch-related configuration data can be determined via a database implemented within the control unit.

[0019] Furthermore, the method is advantageously designed such that the respective network switch-related configuration data is automatically retrieved from a web-based database within the control unit via a standalone browser after the respective network switch is connected to the control unit. An automated query therefore only occurs once at least one network switch has been connected to the control unit via said interface.

[0020] Another advantageous feature is that the control unit operates in redundant mode via a plurality of redundant power supply connections. This is intended to ensure uninterrupted operation of the stage equipment.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the method, a plurality of control units are networked together in master-slave operation in remote mode. This allows for subordinate, distributed control of network switch groups. One of the multiple control units then remains superior in the control hierarchy. Control is then carried out centrally via the control-technical master.

[0022] As an alternative to the master-slave architecture, it may be possible to control each connected network switch in the system via the control unit.

[0023] In accordance with the method, it is stated that in networked remote operation, the configuration of all network switches connected to each control unit with regard to their respective individual configuration data is controlled via the control unit operated in master mode.

[0024] In a further advantageous embodiment, a display unit implemented in the control unit, in addition to the display function, has a touchscreen functionality that acts as a logically combined input interface for both the control unit and the network switches connected to the control unit in master-slave mode. The display unit thus serves as the command center in terms of input technology. The display unit can, in turn, contain several individual displays, for example, two, which are then structurally covered, preferably, with a single, continuous pane.

[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment, the operating temperature and / or the ambient brightness and / or the installation position of the control unit are determined during installation at the operating site using sensors provided in the control unit. This allows the control unit to automatically adjust to the conditions at the site of use, for example, on a stage set. The detected ambient temperature is then taken into account when controlling the cooling system; the brightness of the display and, if applicable, the LEDs is adjusted to the ambient brightness to maintain optimal readability. The installation position of the control unit is detected using position sensors, and the display is automatically rotated to the reading position.

[0026] In short, depending on the said current sensor values, the cooling control and / or the brightness of the display unit and / or the angular orientation of the installed control unit will automatically adjust the display on the display unit.

[0027] With regard to a control unit of the generic type, the features according to the invention are that the control unit is provided with at least one control interface to which a network switch that can be controlled via it can be connected, and the control interface is equipped in such a way that both the settings and the configuration data of the respective network switch can be transmitted via it.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, the control unit (100, 100') has a display unit with at least one touchscreen. This then serves as an input interface.

[0029] In a corresponding embodiment, it is provided that the control unit is provided with an autonomous software unit and a processor unit, that the at least one interface to the respective network switch is a modularized interface at the software level, such that possible different configuration data of the respective network switch can be determined from a database.

[0030] In a further advantageous embodiment, it is specified that the database is a database implemented within the control unit.

[0031] In a further advantageous embodiment, it is specified that the control unit has an internal, self-sufficient browser via which the respective network switch-related configuration data can be automatically retrieved from a web-based database after the respective network switch is connected to the control unit.

[0032] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the control unit is provided with a plurality of power supply connections which can be operated in redundant mode.

[0033] In a further advantageous embodiment, it is specified that the control unit is provided with a plurality of wired or wireless communication interfaces, so that a plurality of control units can be operated in a networked manner in master-slave mode in remote operation.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment, it is specified that in networked remote operation, the configuration of all network switches connected to each control unit with regard to their respective individual configuration data can be controlled via the control unit operated in master mode.

[0035] In a final advantageous embodiment of the control unit, it is provided that cable testers are implemented in the control unit, via which both the function of the plugged cable connections and a test of the individual wires are carried out automatically.

[0036] The functionality is designed in such a way that wiring errors in the routing of the other devices are not only prevented, but also reported on the display unit to eliminate the wiring errors and, if necessary, an instruction for eliminating the wiring error is generated and displayed for the operator.

[0037] Fatal wiring errors trigger a complete disconnection with an error message to protect the control unit and the connected network switches and / or end devices from faulty or overvoltage.

[0038] With regard to a software program product, the stated object is achieved in that for the operation of a control unit for controlling at least one external network switch, in which at least one control interface of the control unit is used to both control one or more external network switches and to change or configure settings of the respective network switch, wherein the computer program product contains authentication data via which the control interfaces automatically authorize the respective connected network switches for operation from the control unit.

[0039] In a further embodiment, it is provided that so-called presets can be read into the control unit as a data file via a data communication interface using a data carrier or via the implemented browser, and in this way previously created configuration settings are read in, and the configuration is then carried out at least partially automatically.

[0040] After the control unit and network switches have been physically installed at the installation site, the configuration data previously created for this individual stage setup application can then be read in or adjusted in a time-saving manner.

[0041] In a further advantageous embodiment, the software program product requests automatic authorization before actively reading in external presets and / or configuration data via the data communication interface via a volatile data carrier or via Intratnet or Internet.

[0042] Despite all the convenience offered by the control unit according to the invention and the operating method according to the invention, or the software program product according to the invention, this provides special protection against unauthorized sabotage, particularly when used at large events.

[0043] The control unit according to the invention represents a universal control interface, ie one that can be used for a wide variety of generic network switches, ie regardless of manufacturer and model.

[0044] The universality of the control unit according to the invention represents a uniform functional overall concept in which all corresponding designs serve a coherent and coordinated function, namely increased safe and comfortable operation.

[0045] The invention is illustrated in an exemplary embodiment. It shows:

[0046] Figure 1: Structure with control unit and a plurality of network switches

[0047] Figure 2: Structure of the network switch itself

[0048] Figure 3: External structure of the control unit

[0049] Figure 1 shows the hierarchical structure of multiple control units with a number of network switches. Overall, each switch is not part of the control unit, but rather a standalone device. The network switches can also be devices from different manufacturers, which can then be connected to form a stage network.

[0050] Using the control unit according to the invention, all accessible parameters of the network switches can be read out and all settings, e.g. so-called VLANs, port configurations, POE settings, etc., can be changed.

[0051] This is done via the interfaces available depending on the switch using serial communication, e.g. via RS232 / RS485, SSH or an API from the respective network switch manufacturer.

[0052] The control unit according to the invention is advantageously designed in 19-inch format for rack installation and has a height of approximately one to three HE (installation units).

[0053] The configuration is visualized via one or more large displays on the front of the control unit. In one embodiment, configurations are entered via a touch display, i.e., the entire front display is configured as a touch display, or only individual displays are configured as touch displays if multiple displays are installed. In another embodiment, the control unit according to the invention has alternative input control elements such as buttons, knobs, and rotary encoders.

[0054] Both of these embodiments can also be combined.

[0055] In the background, at the software level, there is a modularized interface that offers a uniform operation for network switches from different manufacturers and series.

[0056] This interface is customizable and extensible for different network switches and series via configuration files.

[0057] The control unit according to the invention also has two separate mains connections so that in the event of a power failure on one connection, a seamless switchover can take place (redundant operation).

[0058] Furthermore, the control unit according to the invention should have a power output which is protected by the redundancy switching and to which the network switch can be connected as an external device and is thus also covered by the redundancy operation.

[0059] The control unit according to the invention further has various connections, such as at least one 1x RJ45 for Ethernet, at least 1x connection for serial interface, at least 1x USB connection for various functions.

[0060] The control unit according to the invention should also be able to control multiple network switches that are physically close to each other. This is due to the usually required serial connection between the network switch and the control unit.

[0061] Furthermore, several control units according to the invention can communicate with each other via a network.

[0062] If several network switches are each equipped with one of the control units according to the invention and are networked together, remote control of the connected network switches is possible from each networked control unit.

[0063] The configuration of the network switch can be carried out directly via the control unit operated in remote mode, e.g. via SSH, or the configuration of the network switch can simply be triggered via the physically directly connected control unit.

[0064] Furthermore, each network switch connected via a control unit can be controlled via a computer located on the same network.

[0065] Figure 2 shows a connection of two

[0066] Network switches 1, 1' to a stage network at an event. Network switch 1 controls the mixing console system 2, the amplifier system 3, and optionally, but not necessarily, a computer 4.

[0067] It is also shown that another network switch 1' can be integrated into the network.

[0068] This is used to control the communication interface 10, as well as the sound system 5, the camera 6 and the lighting system 7.

[0069] Both network switches communicate with each other. Additional network switches can also be integrated into the local network.

[0070] Figure 3 shows the front and rear of the control unit 100, 100', 100'' according to the invention. The display unit 102 contains two touchscreen displays.

[0071] Furthermore, network ports 101 are integrated into the front panel. The rear panel of the control unit also features network ports 101. The power ports 103 and the power output (redundant) 104 are also located there. Reference symbols:

[0072] 1,1',1'' network switch

[0073] 2 mixing console systems

[0074] 3 amplifier system

[0075] 4 computers

[0076] 5 sound system

[0077] 6 Camera

[0078] 7 Lighting system

[0079] 10 Communication interface

[0080] 20 Control interface

[0081] 100,100 ', 100'.' Control unit

[0082] 101 Network Connections

[0083] 102 displays

[0084] 103 Power connector with output (redundant)

[0085] 104 Power output redundant

[0086] Abbreviations:

[0087] PoE Power over Ethernet

[0088] SSH Secure Shell

[0089] VLN Virtual Local Area Network

[0090] API Application Programming

[0091] HE height unit (rack)

Claims

Patent claims 1.Method for operating a control unit for controlling at least one external network switch, wherein the at least one network switch is provided with a plurality of ports for multiplexing, transmitting and displaying real transmission signals via selectable transmission protocols (VLANs) in a local network, characterized in that one or each external network switch is controlled via the at least one control interface of the control unit and settings of the respective network switch are changed or configured.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that by means of a software program unit, the at least one interface to the respective network switch is a modularized interface at the software level, such that possible different configuration data of the respective network switch are determined from a database. 3.Method according to claim 2, characterized in that via a within the control unit implemented database that can be used to determine the network switch-related configuration data.

4. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that within the control unit, the respective network switch-related configuration data are automatically retrieved from a web-based database via an autonomous browser after the respective network switch is connected to the control unit. 5.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit is operated in redundant mode via a plurality of redundant power supply connections. 6.Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of control units are operated in a master-slave mode in a remote mode in a networked manner. 7.Method according to claim 6, characterized in that in the networked remote operation the configuration of all on each control unit connected network switches are configured with regard to their respective individual configuration data and controlled via the control unit operated in master mode.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a display unit implemented in the control unit has, in addition to the display function, a touchscreen functionality which operates as a logically combined input interface for both the control unit and the network switches connected to the control unit operating in master-slave mode.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating temperature and / or the brightness of the environment and / or the installation position of the control unit during installation at the operating site is determined via sensors provided in the control unit.

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that depending on said current sensor values, the cooling control and / or the brightness of the display of the display unit and / or the angular orientation of the installed control unit automatically adjusts the display on the display unit.

11. Control unit for controlling at least one external network switch, wherein the at least one network switch is provided with a plurality of ports for multiplexing, transmitting and displaying real transmission signals via selectable transmission protocols (VLANs) in a local network, characterized in that the control unit (100, 100') is provided with at least one control interface, to each of which a network switch (1, 1', 1'') that can be controlled via it can be connected, and the control interface (20) is equipped such that both the settings and the configuration data of the respective network switch can be transmitted via it.

12. Control unit according to claim 11, characterized in that the control unit (100, 100') has a display unit (102) with at least one touchscreen screen.

13. Control unit according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the control unit (100, 100') is provided with a self-contained software unit and a processor unit, that the at least one interface to the respective network switch is a modularized interface at the software level, such that possible different configuration data of the respective network switch can be determined from a database.

14. Control unit according to one of claims 11- 13, characterized in that the database is a database implemented within the control unit (100, 100').

15. Control unit according to one of claims 11- 14, characterized in that the control unit (100, 100') has an internal, self-sufficient browser via which the respective network switch-related configuration data can be automatically retrieved from a web-based database after the respective network switch has been connected to the control unit.

16. Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (100, 100') is provided with a A plurality of power supply connections are provided which can be operated in redundant mode.

17. Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (100, 100') is provided with a plurality of wired or wireless communication interfaces, so that a plurality of control units can be operated in a networked manner in master-slave mode in a remote operation.

18. Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in networked remote operation, the configuration of all network switches (1, 1', 1'') connected to each control unit (100, 100') with regard to their respective individual configuration data can be controlled via the control unit operated in master mode.

19. Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that cable testers are implemented in the control unit (100, 100'), via which both the function of the plugged Cable connections and a test of the individual wires are carried out automatically.

20. Computer program product for operating a control unit for controlling at least one external network switch, in which at least one control interface of the control unit is used to both control one or more external network switches and to change or configure settings of the respective network switch, wherein the computer program product contains authentication data via which the control interfaces automatically authorize the respective connected network switches for operation from the control unit.

21. Computer program product according to claim 19, characterized in that so-called presets can be read into the control unit as a data file via a data communication interface by means of a data carrier or via the implemented browser and in this way previously created configuration settings are read in and the configuration is then carried out at least partially automatically.

22. Computer program product according to claim 19, characterized in that the computer program product comprises a queries automatic authorization before actively reading external presets and / or configuration data via the data communication interface via a volatile data carrier or via the Intratnet or Internet.

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