Decentralized Master Node Election for Dynamic Network Topology Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication networks in seismic data acquisition systems face challenges with static data transmission orientation, requiring network restarts upon topology changes and inefficiencies in handling loops and asymmetric bandwidths, leading to reduced throughput.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic method to determine data transmission orientation using a decentralized approach that elects a single master routing node within each subnet, adapting communication paths and bandwidth configurations in response to topology changes and loop formations, without necessitating a network restart.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a static data transmission orientation is used in the network, then the network configuration is simple and stable, but the network requires restarts upon topology changes and experiences reduced throughput when loops form

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission throughputVSAvoidnetwork management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic data transmission orientation by allowing each node to autonomously determine its transmission direction based on real-time network conditions. Nodes can switch between transmitting data toward the master central unit or away from it, depending on whether they detect loop formations. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for network restarts and maintains optimal throughput despite topology changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Each node in the network autonomously manages its own data transmission orientation without requiring centralized control or manual intervention. When a node detects a loop condition or topology change, it automatically adjusts its transmission direction to prevent throughput reduction. This self-service mechanism simplifies network management while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the network restarts upon topology changes to maintain proper data transmission, then data transmission reliability is ensured, but network downtime increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidnetwork operational continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary detection mechanisms that monitor network topology changes and loop conditions in real-time. When changes are detected, nodes proactively adjust their data transmission orientation before disruptions occur. This preliminary action prevents the need for reactive network restarts, ensuring both reliability and continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The network implements a feedback mechanism where nodes continuously monitor transmission conditions and automatically adjust their orientation based on detected loop formations or topology changes. This closed-loop control ensures reliable data transmission without requiring network restarts, as nodes adapt in real-time to maintain optimal performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If asymmetric bandwidth configurations are used in network segments, then bandwidth utilization is optimized for specific directions, but loop formations cause throughput reduction due to improper orientation handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth utilization efficiencyVSAvoidloop tolerance capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing each node to independently determine its data transmission orientation based on its specific position and bandwidth configuration in the network. Nodes with asymmetric bandwidth capabilities can optimize their transmission direction locally, while the overall network maintains adaptability to loop formations through coordinated orientation adjustments across all nodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10171337B2Method for managing a network, and node for implementing said method
Publication Date: 2019.01.01 SERCEL SAS
  • US10171337B2 patent drawing
  • US10171337B2 patent drawing
  • US10171337B2 patent drawing

AI summary

There is provided a method for electing a master routing node of a given subnet of a network, comprising: determining (71) a first-type address associated with an interface of each node on the given subnet, and being the address given by a routing table of the next hop (router node or target node) on the path leading from the node to a target node; determining (72) a second-type address associated with the interface of each node on the given subnet, and being either the determined first-type address (if the latter is on the given subnet) or the address of the interface of the node on the given subnet (if the determined first-type address is on another subnet); sending (73) by each router node of the given subnet a message containing its determined second-type address; collecting (74) at the interface of each node on the given subnet the sent messages; selecting (75) for the interface of each node on the given subnet a third-type address among its determined second-type address and the second-type addresses contained in the collected messages, according to a selection rule known by all nodes of the subnet; electing (76) as master routing node of the given subnet the node having the selected third-type address.