Industrial Communication Topology Modeling With Predefined Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
There are no standardized rules or procedures for designing industrial communication networks, leading to complex and potentially non-compliant network topologies, and existing software tools lack the ability to visually represent all necessary details, requiring separate documentation.
Innovation Solution
A computer-aided method using a user interface to graphically display predefined network sections and external connections, allowing users to select network types and functions, and define communication links based on templates, with the option to modify and store the network topology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing software tools are used to design communication networks, then visual representation of the network is enabled, but all necessary details cannot be stored in the visual representation and must be saved in separate documents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the visual representation functionality with comprehensive configuration data storage into a single integrated system. The server stores both graphical network topology and all associated configuration parameters (IP addresses, VLANs, device settings) in a unified database structure, eliminating the need for separate documentation while maintaining visual clarity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network topologies are designed without standardized rules, then design flexibility is maintained, but the topologies become confusing and unnecessarily complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces standardized parameter templates and configuration rules that automatically apply to network designs. By changing the design approach from completely free-form to rule-guided with predefined parameters, the system maintains flexibility through customizable templates while reducing complexity through automated standardization of common network configurations.
3Ease of operation
If all network details are manually entered and configured, then complete control over the design is achieved, but the design process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing pre-configured templates, standardized parameter sets, and automated configuration generation. Common network scenarios are prepared in advance with best-practice configurations, allowing designers to quickly deploy standard topologies while retaining the ability to customize when needed, significantly reducing design time without sacrificing control.
4Device complexity
If cross-network parameters are not stored as key figures, then data storage simplicity is maintained, but parameter management and analysis become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data storage structure into hierarchical levels: network-level parameters, device-level parameters, and configuration-level parameters. This segmentation allows cross-network parameters to be stored and managed systematically with proper relationships defined between different levels, making parameter management and analysis efficient while maintaining an organized storage structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for computer-aided user assistance in creating a topology of a communications network (KN) for an industrial plant, wherein by means of a user interface (UI) comprising a display (DI): a) predefined network sections (NA1, NA2, NA3) are graphically displayed on the display (DI) in response to first user inputs at the user interface (UI), wherein the first user inputs select a network type (NT1, NT2, NT3) from a plurality of network types (NT1, NT2, NT3) and a network function (NF1, NF2, NF3) from a plurality of network functions (NF1, NF2, NF3) for each network section (NA1, NA2, NA3) to be displayed, wherein a respective displayed network section (NA1, NA2, NA3) corresponds to the selected network type (NT1, NT2, NT3) and has the selected network function (NF1, NF2, NF3) and devices (1, 2, ..., 5) of predetermined device types and internal communication connections (6, 7, 8, 9) between the devices (1, 2, ..., 5), wherein the devices (1, 2, ..., 5) and the internal communication connections (6, 7, 8, 9) are graphically displayed on the display (DI); b) external communication connections (601, 701) between at least some of the displayed network sections (NA1, NA2, NA3) are graphically displayed on the display (DI) in response to second user inputs at the user interface (UI), wherein the second user inputs define links between displayed devices (1, 2, ..., 5) of different network sections (NA1, NA2, NA3).