Industrial Network Control Using Asset Administration Shell Intent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Software Defined Networking (SDN) solutions for industrial devices lack automation in configuring network access based on specific user requirements and workflows, leading to static and inefficient network configurations in industrial networks.
Innovation Solution
A network controller automatically adjusts the computer network by retrieving and parsing the operational information from an industrial device's Asset Administration Shell (AAS) to determine its intent, thereby configuring network settings such as QoS, security, and bandwidth to match the device's requirements, enabling intent-based management and dynamic optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual processes are used for engineering, initial configuration, and changes to configuration of industrial devices, then configuration accuracy can be maintained, but productivity and time consumption are significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The industrial device automatically provides its own configuration information through the Asset Administration Shell, which contains operational parameters, performance characteristics, and operational requirements. The network controller autonomously retrieves and parses this information to determine device intent and automatically configures network parameters, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The Asset Administration Shell is prepared in advance with all necessary operational information about the industrial device, including its requirements and characteristics. This preliminary preparation allows the network controller to quickly retrieve and process the information when the device is deployed, significantly reducing configuration time without sacrificing configuration quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If static network configuration is used in existing SDN solutions, then network stability is maintained, but adaptability to specific user requirements and workflows is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The network configuration transitions from static to dynamic by continuously adapting to the industrial device's operational requirements. The network controller periodically retrieves updated information from the Asset Administration Shell and automatically adjusts network parameters such as bandwidth allocation, QoS policies, and security settings to match current operational needs, enabling the network to dynamically respond to changing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically modifies network configuration parameters based on the operational information extracted from the Asset Administration Shell. This includes adjusting bandwidth parameters, QoS parameters, security parameters, and other network settings to align with the device's specific requirements, transforming the network from a static to an adaptive configuration state.
3Manufacturing precision
If predefined network options are applied without association to specific users, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but configuration precision and alignment with operational needs are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The Asset Administration Shell serves as an intermediary that bridges the industrial device and the network controller. It contains structured operational information about the device, including its requirements, characteristics, and intent. The network controller uses this intermediary information to precisely configure network parameters specific to each device and user, achieving high configuration precision without manually processing complex device details.
Data Source
AI summary
A network controller automatically adjusts a computer network based on the operational information of an industrial device. The network controller receives a notification from a network element in the computer network that the industrial device attached to the network element has an administrative shell. The administrative shell includes operational information describing the operation of the industrial device. The network controller retrieves the administrative shell from the industrial device. The network controller parses the operational information in the administrative shell to determine an intent for the industrial device, and adjusts the computer network based on the intent of the industrial device.