Network Switch Emulating Protocols to Reduce Cable Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rail-bound vehicles require multiple networks for different use cases, leading to a high installation effort due to the need for numerous connecting lines, and the redundancy method in the train operation network is slow in switchover times and lacks defined, reproducible states.
Innovation Solution
A network system with a first type network that acts as a switch to simulate and connect multiple second type networks, using an H topology with specific redundancy protocols to integrate existing networks into a unified system, reducing the number of connecting lines and enhancing redundancy and reproducibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate networks with dedicated connecting cables are provided for different applications, then network performance and reliability are improved, but installation effort and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate networks (train communication network, train operation network, Ethernet train backbone network) into a single unified network infrastructure. Instead of providing separate dedicated cables for each network type between vehicle sections, a single cable connection carries multiple logical networks, significantly reducing installation complexity while maintaining the reliability of each individual network through virtualization and protocol emulation at the network switch level.
Solution Approach 2:
The network switch is designed with multi-functionality to emulate different network protocols and topologies (PROFINET, Ethernet, MRP ring topology) simultaneously. This universal capability allows a single physical network infrastructure to serve multiple application scenarios with different reliability requirements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated cables for each network type while preserving the specific performance characteristics of each network protocol.
2Reliability
If redundancy methods are implemented in the train operation network, then network reliability is improved, but switchover time increases and states become less defined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the redundancy implementation by transitioning from traditional physical redundancy with manual or automated switching to a virtualized redundancy approach. The network switch emulates different protocol states and maintains defined network states through software-based protocol conversion, enabling rapid switchover without the delays associated with physical redundancy activation. This allows redundancy to be achieved through logical state management rather than physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical redundancy system with an electronic/software-based system. Instead of using physical duplicate cable paths and manual switching mechanisms that cause delays, the invention uses network switches that emulate protocols and manage redundancy through electronic state transitions. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic control enables much faster switchover times while maintaining defined and reproducible network states through protocol emulation.
3Reliability
If multiple connecting lines are used between vehicle sections for different networks, then network performance is maintained, but assembly effort and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate cable connections into a single unified cable connection between vehicle sections. Instead of installing separate cables for the train communication network, train operation network, and Ethernet backbone network, a single cable carries all logical networks using protocol emulation at the switch level, dramatically reducing assembly effort and installation costs while maintaining the performance requirements of each individual network through virtualization.
4Device complexity
If a unified network topology is implemented across all networks, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to meet specific protocol requirements of different networks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The network switch is designed with universal multi-functionality to emulate multiple different network protocols (PROFINET, Ethernet, MRP) and topologies simultaneously. This allows a single unified physical network topology to adapt to the specific protocol requirements of different networks through software-based protocol conversion and state emulation, maintaining protocol compatibility without requiring separate physical infrastructures for each network type.
Solution Approach 2:
The network switch acts as an intermediary between the unified physical network infrastructure and the various protocol-specific network requirements. It mediates between the single cable connection topology and the diverse protocol needs of different networks by emulating appropriate protocols and topologies at the logical layer, thus preserving protocol compatibility while benefiting from the simplified physical infrastructure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a network system (10) comprising a network of the first type (12) and a network of the second type (14a, 14b, 14c), which has several separate network sections (16a, 16b, 16c) that are interconnected by means of at least one network switch (18) of the network of the first type (12) for the purpose of data transmission. A network of the second type (14a, 14b, 14c) is thereby simulated (102) by means of the at least one network switch (18) of the network of the first type (12) of said network system (10).