Coupling Communication Device for Redundant Ring Network Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial automation systems face issues with unreliable data transmission and prolonged reconfiguration times due to interruptions in communication networks, particularly in ring topologies with bursty media redundancy methods, leading to potential production downtime and increased reconfiguration periods.
Innovation Solution
A coupling communication device and method that connects two subnetworks with ring topologies via switchable coupling elements, where one coupling communication device is activated as a media redundancy manager, and status datagrams are used to detect faults and trigger topology changes, allowing for quicker reconfiguration by shortening the period for erasing source address tables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If bursty media redundancy methods (MRP) are used in ring topology networks, then implementation effort is reduced, but reconfiguration times are fundamentally increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring alternative transmission paths and maintaining ready-to-use backup routes before faults occur. The system continuously monitors the ring topology and has pre-established replacement paths so that when a fault is detected, switching can occur immediately without extensive reconfiguration, thus reducing reconfiguration time while maintaining ease of implementation through standardized protocols.
2Loss of time
If redundant transmission paths are always used simultaneously (smooth redundancy), then reconfiguration times are reduced, but implementation complexity and resource usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing an adaptive redundancy system that dynamically adjusts the activation state of redundant paths based on real-time network conditions. Instead of always maintaining active backup paths, the system activates redundant paths only when faults are detected or suspected, optimizing the balance between fast reconfiguration and reduced complexity. The system continuously monitors link status and dynamically switches between active and standby modes.
3Reliability
If multiple coupling communication devices are activated for fault detection, then detection reliability is improved, but coordination complexity and response time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by implementing a hierarchical fault detection system where one coupling communication device is continuously designated as the active coordinator while others remain in standby or monitoring mode. This ensures continuous fault detection coverage without the coordination overhead of multiple active devices simultaneously making decisions. The active coordinator maintains continuous monitoring and control, ensuring reliable detection while simplifying coordination through a single point of control.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication device with an activated ring controller provided in both first and second subnetworks for data transmission in a redundantly operable communications network, which includes at least one first and one second subnetwork, which each include communication devices interconnected within a ring topology, wherein the subnetworks are interconnected via coupling line sections to which coupling communication devices are connected, where the coupling line section to which a selected coupling communication device is connected is operated as an inactive reserve coupling line section until a disruption occurs, whilst another coupling line section is operated as an active main coupling line section, where coupling communication devices connected to the main coupling line section transmit status datagrams to the selected coupling communication device which additionally include configuration information about whether the particular coupling communication device connected to the main coupling line section is an activatable ring controller.