Flat Address Space for Industrial Protocol Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial control systems face complexity and cost issues due to the limited number of IP addresses in Ethernet IPV4 protocol, requiring multiple addressing modes to communicate across networks, which complicates system configuration and design.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a flat and singular address space using IPV6 or other global addressing protocols, allowing each object in the industrial system to be mapped to a unique address, enabling communication through a single addressing mode and utilizing a DNS server for user-friendly naming conventions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Ethernet IPV4 protocol is used for industrial control networks, then network connectivity is established, but the limited number of IP addresses requires multiple addressing modes which increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from IPV4 to IPV6 protocol, changing the addressing parameter from 32-bit to 128-bit addresses. This parameter change provides a vastly larger address space that eliminates the need for multiple addressing modes while maintaining network connectivity, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The IPV6 protocol provides a universal addressing mechanism that can address any device, interface, or object in the industrial control system with a single address type. This multi-functional addressing capability replaces the need for multiple specialized addressing modes, reducing configuration complexity while maintaining versatility
2Quantity of substance
If multiple addressing modes are implemented to overcome IP address limitations, then more devices can be addressed, but client systems must support multiple addressing modes which increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from IPV4 to IPV6, the system can address a vastly larger quantity of devices (from approximately 4 billion to 340 undecillion addresses) using a single addressing mode. This eliminates the need for clients to support multiple addressing modes while dramatically increasing the number of addressable devices
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple addressing modes are used to address interfaces within the industrial system, then comprehensive device addressing is achieved, but it adds complexity and cost to the overall system
Solution Approach 1:
The IPV6 protocol provides a universal addressing framework that can address any device, interface, or object within the industrial system using a single address type. This universal addressing capability maintains comprehensive device addressing while eliminating the complexity of supporting multiple addressing modes throughout the system
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for communicating with control objects according to a singular and unified address space. In one aspect, an industrial communications system is provided. The system includes a global address protocol that can be employed to communicate with local or remote networks. An industrial protocol is adapted to interface with the global address protocol, where a network component communicates with one or more control components via the industrial protocol and in accordance with an address supplied by the global address protocol.