Network Node Managing Industrial Subnetwork via Virtual Spanning Tree
Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of an office LAN using the RSTP protocol with an industrial LAN, which employs a real-time capable protocol, often results in communication delays or interruptions due to protocol incompatibilities, as the RSTP protocol struggles to manage the complex and redundant paths within the industrial network effectively.
Innovation Solution
A network node is designed to act as a spanning tree main node for the industrial sub-network, treating it as a virtual network node under the spanning tree protocol of the office sub-network, thereby reducing mutual interference between protocols and simplifying reconfiguration by managing the industrial sub-network's structure independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the RSTP protocol is used to manage the office LAN with redundant paths, then communication loops are avoided and network stability is improved, but the protocol causes communication delays or interruptions when integrated with industrial LAN protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The network is divided into two independent subnetworks: an office subnetwork managed by RSTP and an industrial subnetwork managed by its own protocol. Each subnetwork operates autonomously with its own spanning tree instance, preventing protocol interference while maintaining individual stability and performance characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
A protocol translation or gateway mechanism is introduced at the boundary between the office and industrial subnetworks. This intermediary converts RSTP messages into formats compatible with the industrial protocol, allowing seamless integration without direct protocol conflict and eliminating communication delays
2Reliability
If the RSTP protocol manages the complex meshed office LAN with many redundant paths, then loop avoidance is achieved, but the protocol complexity increases and makes integration with industrial LAN difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The network management function is segmented into separate spanning tree instances for the office and industrial subnetworks. Each instance manages only its own domain, simplifying the protocol handling requirements for each subnetwork while maintaining overall loop avoidance through coordinated boundary management
Solution Approach 2:
The network gateway or boundary device is designed with multi-functionality, capable of handling both RSTP protocols for the office network and industrial protocols for the factory network. This universal device simplifies integration by providing protocol translation and unified management at the boundary
3Speed
If the industrial LAN uses a real-time capable protocol for fast communication, then real-time performance is maintained, but the protocol is incompatible with the RSTP protocol of the office LAN
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into protocol-specific zones where the industrial subnetwork maintains its real-time capable protocol without RSTP interference, while the office subnetwork uses RSTP. This segmentation preserves real-time performance in the industrial zone while ensuring compatibility in the office zone
Solution Approach 2:
A protocol gateway serves as an intermediary between the real-time industrial protocol and the RSTP protocol. This gateway translates and adapts messages between the incompatible protocols, enabling the industrial subnetwork to maintain its fast real-time communication while seamlessly integrating with the office network
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a network node (310, 312) for a communication network (100), wherein the communication network (100) comprises a first subnetwork (200) and a second subnetwork (300) connected to the first subnetwork (200), wherein the first subnetwork (200) uses a spanning tree protocol and the second subnetwork (300) uses a second protocol that differs from the protocol of the first subnetwork (200), and wherein the network node (310, 312) is configured as an element for the second subnetwork (300) and is designed for communication within the second subnetwork (300), and wherein the network node (310, 312) is further configured and designed as a spanning tree main node (310, 312) for controlling and regulating the second subnetwork (300) by means of a spanning tree functionality such that the second subnetwork (300) is protected from the spanning tree protocol of the first subnetwork. (200) is treated or can be treated as a virtual network node.