Automatic Address Allocation in Communication Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing address allocation methods in communication systems, such as Ethernet and PROFIBUS, face challenges in determining network topology and are restrictive in rack coupling, especially when using the LLDP protocol or Module Select control line, leading to inefficiencies in address assignment and topology discovery.
Innovation Solution
A method for automatic address allocation where a primary communication partner transfers a data item to another partner, comparing it with a reference item, and either assigns an address or modifies the data item for downstream transfer, using a processing unit to manage address assignment and data modification, enabling efficient address allocation in various network structures like chain and star configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If MAC addresses are stored in remanent fashion in Ethernet controllers, then addressing is simplified, but network topology ascertainment becomes difficult and requires additional protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary data item that is transferred along with the address through the network. This data item serves as a mediator that enables both address allocation and topology ascertainment simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate protocols while maintaining simple addressing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the data item multi-functional by using it for both address allocation and topology ascertainment. The same data transfer mechanism serves dual purposes, reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation in addressing
2Ease of operation
If Module Select control line is run to each plug-in location, then address allocation is enabled, but rack coupling and topology ascertainment are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the address allocation function from the physical control line infrastructure. Instead of requiring dedicated Module Select control lines to each plug-in location, the system uses data items transferred through existing communication channels, freeing up physical connections for more flexible rack coupling configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical control line system with a data-based software solution. Address allocation is achieved through data item comparison and processing rather than dedicated physical control lines, enabling greater versatility in rack coupling and network topology
3Measurement precision
If address allocation is performed manually or with additional protocols, then topology can be ascertained, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by transferring the data item along with the address simultaneously during the address allocation process. This eliminates the need for subsequent separate topology ascertainment steps, reducing time loss while maintaining precise topology information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the address allocation process with topology ascertainment into a single unified operation. By combining these two functions that were previously separate and time-consuming, the system achieves both goals efficiently without sacrificing measurement precision
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a method for automatic address allocation to at least one communication partner encompassed by a network, whereby a primary communication partner likewise encompassed by the network transfers a data item to the, or one of the, communication partner(s) and whereby the communication partner in question performs a comparison of the data item with a reference data item. Depending on the result of the comparison, either an address is assigned to the communication partner in question or the data item is transferred to a communication partner downstream of the communication partner in question in the network and the data item is modified in conjunction with the transfer of the data item to the downstream communication partner. There is also described a communication partner as well as an automation system for executing the method as well as an automation system with such a communication partner.