Dynamic Master Election for Ring Network Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network protocols for industrial networks, such as RSTP, MSTP, IEC 62439-2 MRP, and IEC 62439-3 PRP, fail to meet real-time requirements due to complex loop operations and high hardware demands, and concentrate network risk, leading to inefficient failure recovery and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A redundant network method that dynamically elects a master station based on node quality, reducing loop operation complexity and hardware requirements by using a node quality comparison vector to periodically adjust master station roles and refresh address lists upon topology changes, and applies this method to both single and double ring networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RSTP or MSTP protocols are used to achieve path redundancy through spanning tree algorithms, then loop-free tree network is achieved, but failure recovery time is relatively long due to frequent message checking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic master station election where any node can become master station based on real-time node quality comparison vectors, allowing the network to dynamically adapt to failures without waiting for periodic spanning tree recalculations. This dynamic approach reduces failure recovery time while maintaining path redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of master station selection from static (pre-assigned) to dynamic (elected based on node quality vectors). By comparing node quality parameters in real-time, the system achieves faster failure recovery while maintaining redundancy, resolving the contradiction between reliability and time loss.
2Device complexity
If IEC 62439-2 MRP protocol is used with master-slave network structure, then failure handling is centralized, but network risk concentrates on single master node and redundancy protection on kernel terminal equipment is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different nodes to have different roles (master or slave) based on their local node quality vectors. Any node can become master station when needed, distributing network risk across multiple nodes rather than concentrating it on a single master, while maintaining the simplicity of the master-slave structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically elects master stations based on real-time node quality comparisons. When the current master station fails or its quality degrades, another node can be elected as master station, distributing risk and achieving redundancy protection without complicating the overall network structure.
3Loss of time
If IEC 62439-3 PRP protocol uses dual-port redundancy technology, then fast failure recovery for terminal equipment is achieved, but system cost increases due to need for detecting well states of dual ports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses node quality comparison vectors as a logical copy mechanism to determine master station election without requiring physical dual-port redundancy hardware. The comparison vector contains redundant information about node qualities, allowing fast failure recovery through information copying rather than hardware duplication, thus reducing system cost while maintaining fast recovery.
4Reliability
If DRP protocol employs master stations taking turns periodically, then distribution redundancy is achieved, but complex loop operation and high hardware requirements are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the election criterion from time-based (periodic turn-taking) to parameter-based (node quality comparison vectors). This parameter change simplifies loop operations by eliminating periodic timing requirements and hardware synchronization needs, while maintaining distribution redundancy through quality-based master station election.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method of implementing a redundant network. Ring network nodes in an initial state are set as master stations, ring ports are set in a half-blocked state, a master station election notification message is broadcast to the ring ports within a preset time interval, the nodes receive the master station election notification message, a node quality comparison vector is compared with node quality comparison vectors of the nodes to elect a master and standby stations, one of the ring ports is in the half-blocked state, the other ring ports are in a forwarding state, the master station broadcasts the master station election notification message to the ring ports, the standby master station stops sending the master station election notification message, the ring ports are in the forwarding state, and the message sent by the master station is received.