Network Driver Traffic Segregation for Reliable TSN Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for scheduling time-sensitive data in Time-Sensitive Networks (TSN) require modifications to application code or network switch firmware, which are undesirable due to validation issues and limited switch choices, leading to potential system instability and catastrophic failures.
Innovation Solution
A network configuration module dynamically configures the network driver and switch to segregate data without modifying the application code, using IEEE 802.1Qbv-compliant switches, allowing seamless integration of time-sensitive and non-time-sensitive data flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If top-down scheduling approach is used where application code forwards data to different TSN channels based on data class, then time-sensitive data can be delivered reliably, but the networking section of the application must be completely re-written which increases development complexity and validation burden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network driver as an intermediary component between the application and the TSN network. The network driver handles the complex scheduling and channel selection logic, allowing applications to simply send data without rewriting networking code. This mediator absorbs the complexity of TSN integration while maintaining reliable time-sensitive data delivery.
2Adaptability or versatility
If bottom-up scheduling approach is used where TSN switch is extended by deep packet inspection capability, then data can be segregated based on packet content, but the solution space is limited to switches with deep packet inspection only
Solution Approach 1:
The network driver serves as an intermediary that performs packet inspection and classification before data reaches the switch. This allows standard switches to achieve data segregation functionality without requiring complex deep packet inspection hardware, as the driver handles the classification logic in software.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from hardware-based packet inspection to software-based classification through the network driver. By modifying the driver's behavior and parameters rather than requiring specialized switch hardware, the solution achieves adaptability without being constrained to specific switch types.
3Productivity
If conventional TSN scheduling methods are used, then time-sensitive data can be transmitted, but existing applications cannot be seamlessly integrated without code modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The network driver acts as a bridge between existing applications and TSN infrastructure. Applications continue to function with minimal changes, while the driver translates their data into properly formatted TSN packets with appropriate channel assignments, enabling seamless integration without requiring application rewriting.
Solution Approach 2:
The network driver provides universal functionality that works with both time-sensitive and non-time-sensitive data from various applications. It handles multiple data types and sources through a single unified interface, making existing applications compatible with TSN networks without requiring application-specific modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments, system and methods are provided, comprising receiving, from a network configuration module, configuration data at a network driver of a communication network; configuring the network driver based on the received configuration data; receiving one or more data packets at the network driver from an application; determining that one or more segregation features are present in the data packet based on the received configuration data; transmitting the one or more data packets based on the one or more segregation features; and controlling one or more operations of an installed product based on the transmitted one or more data packets. Numerous other aspects are provided.