Network System Synchronization Error Handling via Data Class Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In safety-critical networks such as automation and automotive systems, high-priority data transmission fails due to synchronization issues, leading to communication system failures, and existing redundant systems increase hardware and cabling costs.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a network arrangement where high-priority data is transmitted synchronously in a specified time slot across all network systems, with other data classes being blocked or forwarded only during this slot, and synchronization messages are sent to maintain alignment, ensuring vital data is transmitted reliably even during synchronization disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant communications systems with different synchronization mechanisms are used to prevent synchronization errors, then reliability is improved, but hardware expenditure and cabling complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The data traffic is segmented into different classes (first class for safety-critical data, second class for other data). The network system selectively forwards only first class data during specified time slots when synchronization faults are detected, while allowing second class data transmission during non-specified time slots. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability for critical data without requiring full redundant hardware for all traffic types.
2Productivity
If data belonging to other classes is transmitted during the specified time slot, then network utilization is improved, but transmission of high-priority data becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The network system implements periodic time slot allocation where specified time slots are dedicated to first class data transmission. During these periodic intervals, only first class data is forwarded to ensure reliability. Between these periodic intervals (non-specified time slots), the system allows transmission of second class data to maximize network utilization. This periodic switching between restrictive and permissive modes resolves the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
3Measurement precision
If synchronization checking is performed in all network systems, then detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each network system autonomously performs synchronization checking on incoming data packets and independently determines whether a synchronization fault exists. Each system individually switches its forwarding behavior based on its own detection results without requiring complex centralized coordination. This self-service approach improves detection accuracy through distributed monitoring while avoiding the complexity of centralized synchronization management.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a network arrangement having a plurality of network systems is disclosed. Data belonging to a first class is synchronously transmitted in a specified time slot identical for all network systems. A network system, which owing to a synchronization error during the specified time slot, receives data belonging to other classes from a plurality of senders, then only sends data belonging to the first class, but now in standard messages belonging to class 2. Non-vital data belonging to the other classes is no longer transmitted in this operating state. Improved failure safety and in particular a fail-operational mode is provided by the behavior of the network systems in the event of synchronization errors. A network system which implements the method and a network arrangement having a plurality of corresponding network systems is also proposed.