Avionic Switch Observability Port Dynamic Frame Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing avionic networks face challenges in dynamically modifying the observability function without reconfiguring the system, leading to potential saturation of observability ports and limitations in observing different streams and ports, especially in critical ARINC 664 P7 networks where determinism is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A switch with an observability port that dynamically routes frames based on an observability parameter field, allowing for dynamic modification of observability without system reconfiguration, using a configuration table associated with the observability port to manage which frames are sent to an observation module for analysis, enabling observability in various operational modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static observability function is implemented in switches, then the network determinism is maintained, but the adaptability to observe different streams and ports is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling the observability function to be dynamically modified during network operation. The switch can dynamically adjust which streams or ports are observed based on operational needs, while maintaining the deterministic routing of critical avionic data through separate static routing tables. This resolves the contradiction by making the observability function adaptable without compromising network determinism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the switch functionality into separate routing tables: a static routing table for maintaining network determinism and a dynamic observability configuration for adaptable monitoring. This segmentation allows the observability function to be modified independently without affecting the deterministic data transmission paths, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
2Measurement precision
If all frames are systematically redirected to the observability port, then comprehensive observability is achieved, but the observability port becomes saturated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively observing only specific streams or ports based on configured criteria rather than redirecting all frames. The switch can identify and forward only the relevant frames to the observability port, maintaining comprehensive observability for critical streams while reducing the overall traffic burden on the observability port to prevent saturation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by observing only the necessary subset of frames rather than all frames. The dynamic observability function can be configured to monitor specific streams or ports, providing sufficient observability for troubleshooting and analysis without the excessive action of redirecting all frames, thus preventing port saturation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the observability function is modified during operation, then dynamic adaptability is achieved, but system reconfiguration is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the observability function to be modified during network operation without requiring full system reconfiguration. The switch can dynamically adjust observability settings through software configuration, allowing adaptability to changing operational needs while avoiding the complexity of physical reconfiguration or system restarts.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a switch (22A) comprising a plurality of input ports, a plurality of output ports, at least one output port, referred to as the observability port (35), being connected to an observing module (25) capable of analyzing the traffic of frames transiting through the switch, and a routing component (31) configured to route each frame. The switch (22A) is configured to transmit to the observing module (25) via the observability port (34) only frames conforming to a first observability condition and a second observability condition. A frame's conformity to the first observability condition is determined based on an observability field, and its conformity to the second observability condition is determined based on the identifier and/or an input and/or output port associated with that frame.