Redundant Ethernet Network Frame Window Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In switched full-duplex Ethernet networks, particularly in the avionic domain, existing redundancy management methods can lead to prolonged communication blocking due to the potential for frames with the same number being received from multiple networks, causing the destination equipment to process duplicate information and resulting in communication disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A method and network architecture that includes a redundancy management module which defines a window for frame numbers, compares received frame numbers to this window, and only accepts frames outside the window to prevent duplicate processing, with additional features like timer initialization and frame sequencing control to ensure correct frame ordering and rejection of non-consecutive or repeated frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frames are transmitted over multiple redundant networks simultaneously, then communication reliability is improved, but communication blocking occurs due to duplicate frame reception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by defining a window of expected frame numbers before frames are received. This window is calculated based on the maximum transmission time difference between redundant networks, allowing the destination equipment to proactively identify and reject duplicate frames before they cause blocking, thus maintaining both reliability and productivity
2Loss of information
If frame numbers are used to identify frames in time, then duplicate frames can be detected, but prolonged blocking occurs when frames with same numbers are received from multiple networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the window of accepted frame numbers adaptive rather than static. The window dynamically adjusts based on the maximum transmission time difference between networks, allowing the system to flexibly handle varying transmission conditions and prevent prolonged blocking while maintaining accurate duplicate detection
3Productivity
If the first received frame is always processed and subsequent identical frames are rejected, then processing efficiency is improved, but communication blocking is prolonged due to rigid frame number checking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the frame number acceptance criterion from a static 'first frame only' rule to a dynamic window-based approach. This allows the system to accept frames within the calculated time window while rejecting duplicates, improving both processing efficiency and blocking recovery by adapting to actual transmission variations
Data Source
AI summary
A redundancy management method of a switched full-duplex Ethernet communication network includes at least two independent elementary networks each of which includes at least one source equipment and at least one destination equipment. The method includes a step for defining a window included within a predetermined interval corresponding to the frames already received at a given instant, a step for comparing the number of the frame received with the window, and a step for accepting the received frame when the frame number is not included in the window.