Avionic Network Node Redundancy for Multiple Failures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current distributed networks are not fully satisfactory as they do not adequately tolerate the breakdown of multiple network nodes, particularly in avionic systems where the failure of one node disrupts data transfer, and existing solutions are not sufficient for tolerating the failure of at least two nodes for operational safety.
Innovation Solution
The network architecture is enhanced by connecting each network node to multiple other nodes within the reference ring, allowing for up to n-1 downstream and n-2 upstream connections, with network switches and controllers integrated into a single electronic component, enabling frame duplication and redirection to ensure continued data transfer in case of node failures, and using a unique frame number for identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a distributed network architecture is used to improve upgradability and reduce cost, then the network becomes more suitable for avionic applications, but the network loses tolerance to multiple node breakdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The network path is segmented into multiple possible routes between source and destination nodes. When one path is blocked by node failure, data can be transmitted through alternative segmented paths, maintaining network connectivity and reliability while preserving the distributed architecture's upgradability.
Solution Approach 2:
The network topology is transformed from a single-dimensional linear path to a multi-dimensional mesh structure with multiple hierarchical levels. This allows data to traverse through different dimensions (levels and paths) when nodes fail, providing redundancy without requiring a centralized architecture.
2Reliability
If direct connections between non-successive nodes are added to tolerate node breakdown, then network reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network dynamically adapts its routing paths based on node availability. Rather than requiring all possible redundant connections to be physically present and active, the system dynamically selects from available paths, reducing physical complexity while maintaining reliability through flexible route selection.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of implementing complete redundancy between all node pairs, the patent implements partial redundancy through hierarchical levels where only certain nodes have connections to non-successive nodes. This partial action provides sufficient fault tolerance for critical paths without the excessive complexity of full mesh connectivity.
3Reliability
If multiple redundant paths are created to ensure continuous data transfer, then network availability improves, but the number of connections and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Network nodes are designed with universal interfaces and routing capabilities that allow the same physical connection to serve multiple functions and multiple possible paths. A single connection can be part of different routing paths depending on network conditions, reducing the total number of physical connections needed while maintaining multiple redundant paths for high availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A network having a plurality of electronic equipments and a plurality of network nodes is disclosed. The nodes are connected and form a reference ring, according to which ring the nodes are ordered by successive ranks. Each node is connected by a direct receiving connection to an upstream node and via a direct transmission connection to a downstream node. The network is adapted to tolerate a number of network node breakdowns, n being greater than 1. Each node is connected by a direct receiving connection to all of the other nodes placed, in the reference ring, up to: 2 ranks downstream and 1 rank upstream or 1 rank downstream and 2 ranks upstream if n is 2; n−1 ranks downstream and n−1 ranks upstream, if n is odd; or n−1 ranks downstream and n−2 ranks upstream, or n−2 ranks downstream and n−1 ranks upstream, if n is even and greater than 2.