Intelligent Ethernet Gateway Caching for Serial Network Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy monitoring systems face inefficiencies due to high resource requirements for meter configuration and data collection, leading to lost data and network performance issues from redundant data requests across Modbus and Ethernet networks.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent Ethernet gateway that caches frequently requested data packets, adjusts polling rates, and optimizes network settings to reduce redundant requests and improve data delivery, using statistical tracking and benchmarking to manage network traffic and device performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple outside devices poll slave devices for data over Ethernet network, then data accessibility is improved, but network resources are tied up and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway creates and maintains cached copies of data packets from slave devices in its memory. When multiple outside devices request the same data, the gateway serves them from the cache rather than repeatedly polling the slave device, thereby improving data accessibility while preserving network performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway acts as an intermediary between outside devices and slave devices. It receives data from slave devices and manages distribution to multiple requesting devices, reducing redundant network traffic and improving overall system efficiency.
2Speed
If Modbus master devices poll slave devices at high rates, then data collection frequency is improved, but slave device idle time diminishes to zero leading to system resets
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway performs preliminary actions by caching data packets in advance. This allows it to anticipate and fulfill future data requests without requiring continuous high-rate polling, thereby maintaining data collection frequency while preserving slave device idle time and system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway monitors network traffic patterns and slave device responses, adjusting its caching strategy based on observed data usage. This feedback mechanism optimizes the balance between data collection frequency and slave device workload, preventing system resets.
3Adaptability or versatility
If configuration is required in multiple places for meter and data collection system, then system customization is improved, but time and resources for configuration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway provides universal functionality by serving as a centralized configuration and data distribution point for multiple outside devices. Configuration is performed once at the gateway level, and the gateway handles multiple device requests, eliminating the need for configuration in multiple places while maintaining system customization.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple personnel are employed for meter configuration, installation, and monitoring, then system capability is improved, but resource requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway enables self-service operation by automatically caching and distributing data to multiple outside devices without requiring manual configuration at each device. This automation reduces the need for multiple personnel involved in configuration, installation, and monitoring while maintaining comprehensive system capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and computer readable media for optimizing serial communication networks provide an intelligent network gateway through which network data flows. Systems and devices monitor network requests for data packets supplied by slave computing devices, examine the supplied data packets, and copy the supplied data packets to a memory device. The supplied data packets are delivered to a first requesting network device and when an additional network request for the data packets is made by a second requesting network device the data packets are delivered from the memory device to the second requester in response to the additional network request without interrupting the slave computing device to redundantly supply the data packet. Polling by multiple requester devices for redundant data from slave computing devices is avoided. Communication response times are improved, data caching is provided for devices that have no logging memory, and optimum communication settings can be automatically determined.