Network Participant Rate Synchronization via Connection Reset
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Solution Overview
Problem
In data networks, particularly those based on Ethernet standards like EtherCAT, transitioning all connections to a uniform transmission rate, such as 100 Mbit/s, from a mix of 100 Mbit/s and 1 Gbit/s support is time-consuming due to the sequential nature of rate adjustments between network participants.
Innovation Solution
A method where network participants receive and forward data messages to adjust and synchronize transmission rates across connections in parallel, clearing down and re-establishing connections as needed to ensure all connections operate at a consistent rate, reducing the overall time required for network readiness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connections are adjusted to a uniform transmission rate sequentially between network participants, then all connections can operate at a consistent rate, but the overall time required for network readiness increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having network participants proactively clear down and re-establish connections in advance of receiving rate adjustment notifications. This allows the network to prepare for rate changes before they are officially communicated, reducing the overall time required for network readiness when all connections need to operate at a uniform rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by enabling network participants to continuously monitor and adjust connection rates without waiting for sequential notifications from all participants. This allows parallel rate adjustments across multiple connections simultaneously, maintaining continuous network operation while achieving uniform transmission rates.
2Reliability
If network participants wait for sequential notifications to adjust transmission rates, then rate consistency is achieved, but the speed of adaptation propagates gradually through the network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by having network participants actively monitor the transmission rates of their connections and respond to rate inconsistencies. When a participant detects that connections operate at different rates, it automatically initiates clearance and re-establishment procedures to harmonize rates, creating a self-regulating feedback mechanism that accelerates rate adaptation throughout the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling network participants to autonomously detect and correct rate inconsistencies without requiring centralized control or sequential coordination. Each participant independently monitors its connections and initiates necessary adjustments, allowing parallel self-correction across the network and significantly improving rate adaptation speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A network includes a first network participant connected via a first connection to a further network participant. The first network participant receives a data message containing information that a parameter must be set to a first value, via the first connection. The first network participant checks whether it is connected via a second connection to a still further network, and whether the parameter is not set to the first value in the second connection. In this case, the first network participant forwards the data message via the second connection, clearing down the second connection, and re-establishes the second connection, where the parameter for the second connection is set to the first value.