Communication Node Token Issuance for Ring Topology

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ethernet-based communication systems lack a token issuing method and token-ring communication method for ring-topology networks, preventing token ring communication in Ethernet-based ring-topology networks.

Innovation Solution

A communication node with a token-start-right acquisition processor and a token start processor is used to establish a ring topology with duplicated normal and standby rings, allowing token issuance based on specific information to determine priority among nodes, enabling token ring communication in Ethernet-based ring systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If Ethernet-based communication systems use CSMA/CD system with bus or star topology, then collision avoidance and communication rights acquisition are achieved, but ring topology and token ring communication capability are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetopology adaptabilityVSAvoidcommunication control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the token issuance process into distinct phases: token start right acquisition phase and normal token passing phase. This segmentation allows the system to handle the complex token management separately from regular data transmission, enabling ring topology support while maintaining Ethernet's simpler CSMA/CD-based data transmission mechanics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by establishing token start right acquisition mechanisms before normal token passing begins. Communication nodes perform priority determination and token start right acquisition in advance, which prepares the ring topology for orderly token circulation without requiring complex real-time collision management during actual data transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If token passing system is implemented in Ethernet-based ring network, then token ring communication capability is achieved, but unique token issuance control in multi-vendor environments becomes problematic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-vendor compatibilityVSAvoidtoken issuance reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning specific priority levels to different communication nodes based on their characteristics or configurations. This localized differentiation in priority assignment allows nodes from different vendors to coexist in the ring while maintaining a deterministic token issuance order, ensuring both multi-vendor compatibility and reliable token control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the token start right acquisition behavior based on priority parameters. Nodes with higher priority parameters can acquire token start right more readily, while lower priority nodes wait or forward tokens to higher priority nodes. This parameter-based control mechanism ensures unique and reliable token issuance across multi-vendor environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If communication nodes issue token-start-right acquisition frames at predetermined time intervals, then token start right acquisition is achieved, but communication time delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoken acquisition reliabilityVSAvoidtoken acquisition time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by having communication nodes issue token-start-right acquisition frames at predetermined time intervals. This periodic issuance ensures that all nodes have opportunities to acquire token start right in an orderly manner, maintaining reliability while preventing continuous collision or indefinite waiting scenarios that would cause greater delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS8687647B2Communication node, and token issuing method and token-ring communication method in ring communication system

Publication Date: 2014.04.01 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

A communication node includes a token-start-right acquisition processor that issues a token-start-right acquisition frame containing specific information, determines a priority based on predetermined reference using specific information for other communication node and the specific information for the own communication node upon reception of a token-start-right acquisition frame from the other communication node, issues the token-start-right acquisition frame at a predetermined time interval when the own communication node has a higher priority than the other communication node, and stops issuing the token-start-right acquisition frame when the own communication node has a lower priority than the other communication node, to forward the token-start-right acquisition frame of the other communication node, and also includes a token start processor that passes the token frame to the ring upon reception of the token-start-right acquisition frame which is issued by the token-start-right acquisition processor and circulates around the ring.