Ethernet Ring Fault Location via Port Status Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack the ability to detect and pinpoint communication failures in unmanaged Ethernet ring networks caused by mis-connected or broken wiring between controllers and IO modules, leading to network instabilities that are difficult to diagnose and repair.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize a processor and memory to send status requests to communication ports in a network, analyze operational statuses, and isolate faults by executing a fault detection program, allowing for the identification of fault locations between processing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If unmanaged Ethernet ring networks are used for industrial communication, then network flexibility and ease of installation are improved, but the ability to detect and locate communication failures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fault detection program enables the network system to automatically detect, diagnose, and locate communication failures without external intervention. The system self-monitors by sending status requests to communication ports and automatically analyzes operational statuses to isolate faults, eliminating the need for manual troubleshooting while maintaining the simplicity of unmanaged Ethernet ring networks
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by sending status requests to communication ports and analyzing operational statuses. This feedback mechanism provides real-time information about network health, enabling automatic fault detection and location while preserving the ease of installation characteristics of unmanaged Ethernet ring networks
2Device complexity
If manual fault diagnosis methods are used in Ethernet ring networks, then device complexity is reduced, but network downtime and repair time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fault detection program performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring communication port statuses before failures impact network operations. By proactively detecting and locating faults, the system minimizes downtime while maintaining diagnostic simplicity through automated status request and analysis mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically isolates faults by analyzing operational statuses without requiring complex manual diagnosis procedures. This self-service capability reduces both device complexity and repair time by enabling rapid fault location through automated status monitoring and analysis
3Measurement precision
If automated fault detection programs are implemented, then fault location precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fault detection program segments the network into individual communication port units, sending status requests to each port independently. This segmentation enables precise fault location by identifying which specific port or connection exhibits abnormal operational status, achieving high measurement precision through systematic division of the network into monitorable units
Solution Approach 2:
The fault detection program acts as an intermediary between network communication ports and diagnostic analysis. It sends status requests to ports and receives operational statuses, mediating the collection and analysis of data to locate faults precisely while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through this intermediary layer
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method comprising a memory containing a fault detection program and a processor operably connected to the memory and to a communication network. The communication network is connected to a plurality of processing devices through at least one communication port. The processor is configured to execute the fault detection program to send status requests on the communication network requesting the operational status of the communication port from each processing device and to receive the operational status of the communication port from each processing device. The fault detection program analyzes the received operational status of the communication ports to isolate faults in the communication network between two of the processing devices.