Automation Field Device DHCP Server for Automatic IP Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Establishing a communicative connection between a programming device and an automation field device via Ethernet is cumbersome, requiring users to know network addresses and interface parameters, which is error-prone and requires specialist knowledge.
Innovation Solution
The method involves configuring the programming device to automatically obtain a network address from an activatable DHCP server, allowing the connection to be established without user intervention, and optionally using an activatable DNS server for identifier resolution, ensuring a DHCP server is always available even in minimal networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration of network addresses and interface parameters is used, then the connection can be established with precise control, but the operation becomes complex and requires specialist knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The field device automatically performs network address assignment and interface parameter configuration without requiring manual user input. The device self-configures by activating its DHCP server to assign itself an IP address and activate its DNS server to resolve its own identifier, eliminating the need for users to manually configure network parameters while maintaining reliable connection establishment
Solution Approach 2:
The field device pre-configures its network interface by automatically obtaining a network address from a DHCP server (or assigning itself one) and pre-resolving its identifier through its DNS server before the actual communication connection is needed. This preliminary automatic configuration ensures the device is ready for immediate connection without requiring subsequent manual setup
2Ease of operation
If a dedicated DHCP server and DNS server are used, then automatic address assignment is achieved, but the device complexity and setup effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automation field device integrates multiple functions into a single unit: it serves as both the automation device and its own DHCP server for network address assignment, and as its own DNS server for identifier resolution. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated servers, reducing infrastructure complexity while maintaining automatic address assignment capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the DHCP server functionality and DNS server functionality directly into the automation field device itself. By merging these server functions with the field device, the system eliminates the need for external dedicated servers, simplifying the overall network infrastructure while preserving automatic configuration capabilities
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for establishing a communicative connection between a programming device (16) and an automation field device (10, 12), wherein the field device (10, 12) comprises an activatable DHCP server (22), wherein the programming device (16) is configured to automatically obtain a network address from a DHCP server (22), and wherein the programming device (16) obtains a network address from the DHCP server (22) when connected to a field device (10, 12) with an activatable DHCP server (22) or a network with at least one field device (10, 12) with an activatable DHCP server (22).