Dual Ring Network Control Device for Abnormal Part Identification
Solution Overview
Problem
In dual ring networks, it is challenging to identify abnormal parts when an abnormality occurs, as existing systems lack effective methods to pinpoint the source of issues within the network.
Innovation Solution
A control device is implemented that includes counters for normal and abnormal frames, a controller to identify terminal nodes, and a program to estimate and isolate abnormal parts by analyzing counter values, allowing for the identification of terminal nodes and subsequent abnormal parts within the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional dual ring network monitoring is used, then network operation continues, but abnormal parts cannot be identified when abnormalities occur
Solution Approach 1:
The network nodes are segmented into different roles (terminal nodes and intermediate nodes) based on their counter values. Terminal nodes have both A-side and B-side counter values equal to N, while intermediate nodes have one side equal to N and the other equal to N-1. This segmentation allows precise identification of abnormal parts by comparing counter values across different node segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Counter values serve as intermediaries to indirectly identify abnormal parts. Instead of directly detecting abnormalities, the system uses counter values (which count received frames) as mediators to infer the location of abnormalities by comparing them across terminal and intermediate nodes.
2Loss of time
If manual abnormal part identification is attempted, then identification may be achieved, but network disruption time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network nodes automatically perform identification of abnormal parts by comparing their own counter values with those of other nodes. The control device facilitates this self-service process by collecting counter values and determining abnormal parts based on predefined criteria, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing network disruption time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring counter values at each node and using this information to automatically identify abnormalities. The counter values provide real-time feedback about network status, enabling rapid detection and identification of abnormal parts without manual intervention.
3Reliability
If no counter mechanism is used, then network structure remains simple, but abnormal frames cannot be distinguished from normal frames
Solution Approach 1:
Counter values are preliminarily established at each node before abnormalities occur. Terminal nodes are pre-configured with counters that should equal N on both A and B sides, while intermediate nodes have counters of N and N-1. These preliminary counter configurations enable reliable abnormality detection when actual values deviate from expectations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes in counter values to detect abnormalities. By monitoring changes in counter values (which should follow predictable patterns based on node type), the system can reliably distinguish abnormal frames from normal frames without complex detection mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a control device is for controlling a plurality of nodes configuring a dual ring network. Each of the nodes includes: a communicator configured to be capable of transmitting/receiving a frame to/from an adjacent node; a first counter configured to perform counting up when a normal frame is received via the communicator; and a second counter configured to perform counting up when an abnormal frame is received via the communicator. The control device includes a controller configured: to identify, when an abnormal frame is transmitted/received in the dual ring network, a terminal node of the dual ring network from the nodes based on values of the first counter and the second counter of each of the nodes; and to identify an abnormal part in the dual ring network based on the value of the second counter by using the identified terminal node as a starting point.