Industrial Network Overlay Configuration via Control Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial automation networks face inefficiencies in deriving full knowledge of network setup and traffic models from control data and control logic, leading to rigid and unpredictable network designs that fail to adapt to changing operational needs.
Innovation Solution
A device configures an industrial network overlay by determining VLANs, device placement, and communication paths based on network policies, using tag configuration and control program logic to automate network setup and ensure secure, deterministic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If industrial automation networks are configured based on traditional CAD drawings with fixed network structures, then network stability and predictability are improved, but adaptability to changing operational needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network configuration by automatically generating network topology, VLAN assignments, and communication paths based on real-time operational data and control logic, allowing the network to adapt its structure dynamically rather than remaining fixed as in traditional CAD-based designs
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes network parameters such as VLAN IDs, device groupings, and communication paths based on varying operational requirements derived from control data and logic, enabling the network to transform its configuration parameters dynamically to meet changing needs
2Ease of manufacture
If network configuration is performed manually based on CAD drawings, then implementation simplicity is improved, but the ability to derive full knowledge of network setup and traffic models from control data deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically extracting network topology, device relationships, and traffic models directly from control data and control logic, eliminating the need for manual documentation while ensuring complete and accurate network knowledge is captured
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration processes with automated electronic analysis of control data and logic, using software-based extraction and generation of network configurations instead of human-driven manual setup
3Reliability
If industrial networks are designed for machine-to-machine communication with predictable traffic patterns, then network reliability is improved, but flexibility in responding to operational changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring operational data and control logic to dynamically adjust network configurations, ensuring that reliability is maintained through automated responses to changing conditions while preserving flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a device receives a network policy based upon, at least in part, a physical network, and configures a design of an industrial network overlay on the physical network based upon, at least in part, the network policy. The configuring, according to the techniques herein, may generally include: determining a number of virtual local area networks (VLANs) within the industrial network overlay; determining which devices of the physical network are on which VLAN; determining placement of at least one virtual firewall within the industrial network overlay; and determining at least one communication path for the industrial network overlay between at least two devices.