Avionic Switch Routing Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The implementation of deterministic switched Ethernet networks for avionic systems in aircraft is costly due to the need for configuring routing tables and managing mass and bulk in switches, especially in systems with a limited number of avionic computers.
Innovation Solution
The avionic system configures switches to route data frames based solely on the input ports they are received on, eliminating the need for analyzing frame content and configuring virtual link routing tables, with predefined routing rules that differ between ports and allowing for simplified data frame transmission to all connected computers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If deterministic switched Ethernet networks with virtual links and routing tables are implemented, then data transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the routing intelligence from the switches and relocates it to the end devices (avionic computers). Each avionic computer is configured with routing information for all other computers in the network, eliminating the need for complex routing tables in switches. This reduces switch complexity while maintaining reliable data transmission through informed forwarding decisions at the network edges.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the conventional approach where switches actively route packets based on routing tables, the patent inverts the logic: switches simply forward packets to all ports except the source port, and the destination computer identifies itself as the recipient. This inversion dramatically simplifies switch functionality while preserving network reliability through distributed routing knowledge at the endpoints.
2Manufacturing precision
If routing tables for virtual links are configured in switches, then data frame routing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture and deployment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes routing table configuration requirements from switches entirely. Routing information is extracted and stored only in the avionic computers themselves, which use this information to determine whether to accept or forward received data frames. This eliminates the manufacturing and deployment complexity of configuring routing tables in switches while maintaining precise routing through endpoint-based decision making.
Solution Approach 2:
Each avionic computer maintains its own routing information and makes autonomous decisions about data frame handling. Computers self-configure with routing knowledge for all other computers in the network, eliminating the need for external configuration of switches. This self-service approach simplifies deployment while ensuring precise routing decisions are made at the appropriate network points.
3Adaptability or versatility
If switches analyze data frame content to determine routing, then routing adaptability is improved, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data frame analysis function from switches and relocates it to the destination avionic computers. Switches perform only simple header-based forwarding based on source port identification, while the computationally intensive analysis of whether the frame is intended for this computer is performed by the destination computer upon receipt. This division reduces switch processing time while maintaining routing adaptability through intelligent endpoint processing.
Data Source
AI summary
The avionic system of an aircraft includes a set of avionic computers and a switch associated with each avionic computer. For each avionic computer of the set of avionic computers, the avionic system includes a communication link between the switch associated with this avionic computer and each of the switches associated with the other avionic computers. Each switch is configured such that it routes the data frames received on its input ports to its output ports in a manner predefined only on the basis of the input ports on which these data frames are received. The various switches are configured such that, when an avionic computer sends a data frame, this data frame is transmitted to all of the other avionic computers.