Control Frame Tunneling Across Mixed Redundancy Protocols
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial automation systems face challenges in reliably and deterministically interconnecting network sections that employ different redundancy protocols, leading to communication interruptions and potential system malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A method and network device that transparently tunnel control frames between network sections using different redundancy protocols by assigning unique interconnection identifiers and reserved address ranges, allowing seamless expansion while maintaining protocol segregation and ensuring reliable transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If control frames are transmitted between network sections employing different redundancy protocols, then network expandability and adaptability are improved, but protocol interference and transmission reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tunneling mechanism as an intermediary layer between network sections using different redundancy protocols. Control frames from the first network section are encapsulated in tunnel packets with outer headers conforming to the second redundancy protocol, allowing seamless transmission across protocol boundaries while maintaining protocol-specific integrity and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control frame transmission into distinct layers: inner packets containing the original control frames with their source and destination addresses, and outer tunnel packets with additional tunnel source and tunnel destination addresses. This segmentation allows each layer to operate independently according to its protocol requirements, preventing interference while enabling network expansion
2Adaptability or versatility
If control frames are forwarded through network sections with different redundancy protocols, then network versatility is improved, but traffic loss and system downtime may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing tunnel routes and pre-configuring tunnel source and destination addresses before control frame transmission. The tunneling mechanism is set up in advance, allowing control frames to be quickly encapsulated and forwarded without protocol conversion delays, thereby minimizing system downtime
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous control frame transmission by establishing redundant tunnel paths through the second network section. If one tunnel path fails, control frames can continue flowing through alternative paths without interruption, ensuring uninterrupted transmission and minimizing system downtime
3Adaptability or versatility
If control frames are transmitted across network sections with different redundancy protocols, then network adaptability is improved, but protocol interference may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The tunneling mechanism acts as an intermediary that isolates control frames from protocol interference. By encapsulating control frames in outer packets with tunnel-specific headers, the patent prevents direct interaction between different redundancy protocols, eliminating protocol interference while maintaining network adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different protocol qualities to different parts of the data structure: inner packets maintain the original protocol-specific qualities and addressing format, while outer tunnel packets use the second redundancy protocol's format. This local differentiation allows each protocol to operate in its optimal environment without interfering with the other
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to transmitting control frames according to a redundancy protocol, wherein the control frames are originally transmitted according to a first redundancy protocol which is employed for redundantly transmitting the control frames within a first network section (MRP1, MRP2, MRP3, MRP4, RSTP1, RSTP2). The control frames are transmitted between a first endpoint and a second endpoint via a second network section (HSR1) in which a second redundancy protocol is employed. The first endpoint and the second endpoint interface the first network section (MRP1, MRP2, MRP3, MRP4, RSTP1, RSTP2) and the second network section (HSR1). The first endpoint and the second endpoint are both associated with a unique interconnection identifier. When receiving and detecting, at one of the endpoints, a control frame received from the first network section and associated with the first redundancy protocol, a detecting endpoint device (201-206, 209-210) comprising the receiving endpoint assigns a destination address from a selected address range for forwarding the detected control frame through the second network section (HSR1). The destination address is associated with the interconnection identifier, wherein the selected address range is defined as reserved address range in the second redundancy protocol. The detected control frame is forwarded through the second network section (HSR1) by means of the destination address assigned by the detecting endpoint device (201-206, 209-210).