Industrial Device Self-Naming via Topology and DNS
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Solution Overview
Problem
In industrial networks, especially in PROFINET environments, device replacement requires quick and reliable assignment of unique names to newly introduced devices, which is administratively cumbersome due to the reliance on MAC addresses and centralized naming processes.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized method using a name service server, such as a DNS server, to provide topology information for automatic self-naming of devices, allowing them to determine their unique names based on neighborhood relationships without relying on a central PROFINET IO controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a centralized PROFINET IO controller is used to assign device names, then device naming can be managed, but administrative effort increases and the process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-naming by automatically determining its device name based on topology information received from neighboring devices via LLDP packets and DNS queries, eliminating the need for manual configuration or centralized controller intervention
Solution Approach 2:
A DNS server acts as an intermediary to store and provide topology information that enables the device to determine its own name, mediating between neighboring devices and the naming process
2Reliability
If device replacement occurs with MAC address-based naming, then identification can be maintained, but administrative work increases due to reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The replaced device automatically determines its own device name upon insertion into the network by querying DNS with topology information from neighbors, enabling immediate operational readiness without administrative reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
Topology information is pre-stored in the DNS server before device replacement occurs, allowing the new device to immediately retrieve its assigned name without waiting for centralized controller processing or manual configuration
3Reliability
If topological naming is implemented, then device identification improves, but a centralized controller is required which reduces system autonomy
Solution Approach 1:
Each device independently determines its own name by autonomously querying DNS with topology information received from neighbors, achieving full decentralization without requiring a centralized controller to assign names
Solution Approach 2:
The naming function is segmented from centralized control and distributed to individual devices, with each device performing its own naming based on local topology information and DNS queries
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for configuring a device (2) to be named in an in particular industrial network, preferably an industrial automation system, in which a) the device (2) to be named receives a neighbouring name message (8) from a neighbouring device (1, 3), b) a self-naming module (7) of the device (2) to be named creates a topological neighbouring domain name based on the neighbouring name message (8), c) the self-naming module (7) transmits the topological neighbouring domain name to a name service server, in particular a DNS server (9), preferably in the context of a DNS query (10), d) the self-naming module (7) receives from the name service server (9), in particular in the context of a further DNS query, a response message (11), which comprises at least one device name of the device (2) to be named belonging to the topological neighbouring domain name, and e) at least one device name from the response message (11) is assigned to the device (2) to be named, and this name is in particular stored as device name by the self-naming module (7) on the device (2) to be named. The invention further relates to a method for providing topology information, to the use of a name service server (9), to a device (1, 2, 3), to a computer program and to a computer-readable medium.