Dynamic Subnet Configuration via Master Election and Identifier Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication networks, particularly in seismic data acquisition systems, face challenges in dynamically configuring subnets due to complex topologies and frequent changes, leading to cumbersome and time-consuming configuration processes and potential address conflicts.

Innovation Solution

A method for dynamically configuring subnets involves identifying a subnet master among router nodes and a subnet server, which provides subnet identifiers and configures the network, with regular verification and adaptation to changes in network topology, ensuring efficient reconfiguration and address management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual configuration methods are used for subnet setup, then configuration accuracy can be maintained, but configuration time and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic subnet configuration where the network infrastructure itself performs the configuration tasks. Router nodes automatically detect topology changes, elect subnet masters, request identifiers from subnet servers, and configure subnets without manual intervention, making the system self-configuring and self-managing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Subnet servers pre-generate and store available subnet identifiers before they are needed. When a subnet needs configuration, the subnet master simply requests and receives a pre-prepared identifier, eliminating the need for manual allocation and reducing configuration time while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If static subnet configuration is implemented, then network stability is maintained, but adaptability to topology changes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to topology changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static to dynamic configuration. Router nodes continuously monitor network topology, automatically detect changes, and trigger reconfiguration processes as needed. The subnet master election and identifier allocation mechanisms are designed to activate dynamically based on topology state, providing both stability during normal operation and adaptability during changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback mechanisms where router nodes monitor network topology and provide information about changes. This feedback triggers the subnet master election process and identifier reallocation, ensuring the network adapts to topology changes while maintaining stability through controlled, automated responses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If decentralized configuration approach is used, then system robustness improves, but configuration complexity and potential for address conflicts increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem robustnessVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Subnet servers act as intermediaries between router nodes and the central management system. They centralize the storage and allocation of subnet identifiers, receiving requests from subnet masters and providing identifiers without requiring complex peer-to-peer coordination between routers. This reduces configuration complexity while maintaining decentralized robustness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration system is segmented into distinct functional components: router nodes for detection and election, subnet masters for coordination, and subnet servers for identifier management. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining robustness through distributed functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If frequent subnet reconfiguration is performed, then network adaptability improves, but configuration time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork adaptabilityVSAvoidconfiguration time consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Subnet servers pre-generate and maintain pools of available subnet identifiers before they are needed. When reconfiguration is triggered by topology changes, subnet masters can immediately receive pre-prepared identifiers without waiting for generation or manual allocation, significantly reducing the time consumed during frequent reconfiguration events while maintaining high adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10608875B2Method for dynamically configuring a network comprising a plurality of subnets

Publication Date: 2020.03.31 SERCEL SAS

AI summary

A method is developed for dynamically configuring a network with numerous subnets, each subnet comprising at least one router node and said network comprising at least one subnet server. For enhancing the efficiency, the determination of a subnet master for configuring a subnet is carried out with two parallel processes:election of a subnet master among the router nodes of said subnetallocation to each router node of said subnet of a subnet identifier.Configuration of the subnet, achieved by the subnet master with its allocated subnet identifier, is refreshed regularly, in particular when detecting a change in the configuration of the network.