Multidrop Ethernet PLCA Node Allocation Without Collision Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Ethernet multidrop networks face challenges in managing node identifiers and transmission opportunities, particularly in plug & play systems, leading to inefficiencies and potential network failures due to unsuitable collision detection mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A method for dynamically allocating node identifiers and transmission opportunities based on listening to medium signals, creating a list of used identifiers, and selecting an unused identifier for transmission, without requiring collision detection or centralized control, ensuring seamless plug and play connections and efficient bandwidth utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If CSMA/CD collision detection mechanism is used, then network nodes can share the physical medium, but large random latencies and reduced media aggregate throughput occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transmission opportunity allocation adaptive and dynamic rather than static. Nodes dynamically select transmission opportunities based on detected usage by other nodes, allowing the system to adapt to changing network conditions and node presence, thereby eliminating random latencies while maintaining medium sharing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements self-service through autonomous node behavior where each node independently monitors the medium, detects used transmission opportunities, and selects available opportunities without centralized control or collision detection. This self-organizing approach eliminates the need for CSMA/CD collision handling while maintaining efficient medium access
2Adaptability or versatility
If CSMA/CD collision detection mechanism is used, then nodes can contend for medium access, but media aggregate throughput is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having nodes perform preliminary detection of medium usage before transmission. Nodes monitor the medium during transmission cycles, detect which transmission opportunities are already allocated, and select from the remaining available opportunities, thereby preventing collisions before they occur and maximizing aggregate throughput
Solution Approach 2:
Each node autonomously manages its own transmission by independently detecting medium usage and selecting appropriate transmission opportunities without relying on centralized arbitration or collision detection protocols, thereby eliminating throughput reduction caused by CSMA/CD retransmissions
3Reliability
If PLCA is used for deterministic transmission, then data transmission becomes deterministic, but node identifier assignment and management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies node identifier management by implementing self-service where nodes autonomously detect used transmission opportunities and select available identifiers for themselves without centralized assignment. This self-organizing approach maintains deterministic transmission while eliminating complex identifier management overhead
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting transmission opportunity allocation based on detected network conditions and node presence. Transmission opportunities and their associated node identifiers are dynamically assigned and reassigned based on medium detection, simplifying management while maintaining deterministic behavior
4Ease of operation
If centralized control is used for node identifier allocation, then allocation can be managed, but system complexity and single point of failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by distributing the identifier allocation function across all nodes rather than concentrating it in a single controller. Each node independently performs detection and selection, segmenting the centralized control function into distributed autonomous operations, thereby reducing complexity and eliminating single points of failure while maintaining manageable allocation
Solution Approach 2:
Nodes perform self-service by autonomously selecting their own transmission opportunities and identifiers based on medium detection without requiring centralized assignment. This eliminates the need for complex centralized control structures while maintaining systematic identifier allocation through distributed autonomous decision-making
Data Source
AI summary
A method for transmitting data on a communication network, the communication network including a plurality of network nodes connected to one same medium for sending and receiving data signals. The data are transmitted by nodes on the medium during transmission cycles, and each transmission cycle includes a plurality of transmission opportunities each of which is allocated to a respective node based on a node identifier associated with that node. The method provides that at least one node listens to the medium for signals transmitted during a transmission cycle and detects the node identifiers associated with the nodes that used a respective transmission opportunity to transmit at least a signal. Accordingly, the node creates a list of the node identifiers detected, wherein the node identifiers are listed according to the order of the transmission opportunities in the transmission cycle.