Automated VLAN Configuration for Unicast and Multicast Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
VLAN configurations in industrial automation systems are complex, error-prone, and require manual management, leading to potential disruptions and inefficiencies, especially in handling unicast and multicast data traffic.
Innovation Solution
A method and control program for automated VLAN configuration using VLAN port and multicast configuration tags to define operating modes based on port usage, enabling automated and fail-safe management of VLANs, including trunk, untagged, and forbidden modes, and handling of unicast and multicast traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual VLAN configuration is performed for each subnet individually, then configuration flexibility and adaptability to specific application requirements are improved, but configuration complexity and error-proneness increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that automatically generates VLAN configurations based on network topology and communication requirements. This intermediary translates high-level network design specifications into detailed port-by-port VLAN configurations, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining adaptability to different application scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of network topology, device communication requirements, and traffic patterns before VLAN configuration is executed. By pre-calculating the optimal VLAN setup and generating configuration commands in advance, the system eliminates manual configuration errors and ensures consistent application of VLAN policies across all subnets.
2Manufacturing precision
If individual manual configuration of each network device is performed, then precise control over VLAN settings is improved, but time consumption and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the configuration process across multiple network devices into a single automated operation. By collecting configuration requirements from all devices and generating coordinated VLAN settings system-wide, the system achieves both precise control over individual device settings and rapid deployment across the entire network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated configuration system provides universal functionality that adapts to different network device types and VLAN requirements. A single configuration engine handles diverse scenarios including access ports, trunk ports, voice VLANs, and multicast configurations, maintaining precision across all device types while dramatically improving configuration speed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If VLAN configuration changes are made manually on a per-device basis, then configuration flexibility is maintained, but system reliability and consistency decrease due to potential errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that automatically verify VLAN configuration consistency across all network devices. Configuration changes are propagated systematically with automated validation at each step, ensuring that flexibility to adapt to changing requirements is maintained while eliminating manual errors through systematic verification and rollback capabilities.
4Area of stationary object
If comprehensive VLAN configuration covering all network infrastructure devices is performed manually, then complete network coverage is improved, but manageability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The automated configuration system provides self-service functionality by automatically discovering network topology, identifying required VLANs based on communication patterns, and generating appropriate port configurations without human intervention. The system comprehensively covers all network infrastructure devices while maintaining ease of operation through automated topology discovery and configuration generation.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and control program for automatically configuring a communication network with a plurality of Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs), wherein for each VLAN, starting from communication terminals on ports of switches and/or routers along paths assigned to the respective VLAN, a VLAN port operating mode is defined in each case, VLAN segment boundaries are defined via first VLAN port configuration tags, where second VLAN port configuration tags are used to set limits for tracing the paths assigned to the respective VLAN to define the VLAN port operating modes, third VLAN port configuration tags are used to set limits for tracing the paths assigned to the respective VLAN only with respect to outbound frames to define the VLAN port operating modes, and where the tracing of the paths assigned to the respective VLAN, and a configuration of the ports comprised by these paths are controlled using the VLAN port configuration tags.