Network Topology Discovery via Inverted Data Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the topology and configuring paths in consumer electronics networks with unidirectional connections are inefficient, leading to increased message overhead and inability to identify connection breaks, especially when components are hot-plugged or disconnected.
Innovation Solution
A method where slave nodes read data from preceding nodes, adapt it based on port identities, and make it available to succeeding nodes, allowing them to discover topology and detect connection issues, and reconfigure paths using bi-directional connections to minimize interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the originating node transmits topology discovery messages to determine path existence, then path information can be obtained, but message overhead increases and the method becomes complex for distributing information back to all nodes on the path
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of the originating node transmitting discovery messages and distributing results back to all nodes, each node independently determines its own topology information by analyzing incoming messages. The direction of information flow is inverted: rather than pushing topology data from the origin, nodes pull their own topology data from messages they receive during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Each node serves itself by independently determining its own position and path information in the network topology. When a node receives a discovery message, it autonomously analyzes the message to identify its position relative to the origin and the path taken, without requiring external assistance or complex distribution protocols.
2Reliability
If regular verification messages are transmitted to detect path breaks, then connection status can be monitored, but message traffic overhead increases and the location of breaks cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback embedded in incoming messages to detect path breaks. Each node monitors the messages it receives from the origin, and by analyzing the presence, absence, or content of these messages, nodes can detect breaks and identify their locations without requiring separate verification message traffic.
Solution Approach 2:
The topology discovery messages themselves serve as intermediaries that carry dual functionality: they discover topology information and simultaneously serve as verification signals for detecting path breaks. This eliminates the need for separate verification message traffic.
3Ease of manufacture
If unidirectional connections are used to reduce implementation cost, then cost is minimized, but the ability to communicate with and inform all nodes on the path is limited when connections break
Solution Approach 1:
Nodes pre-determine and store their topology information (position, path to origin, identity of origin) when they first receive discovery messages. This preliminary action ensures that even if unidirectional connections break later, nodes retain the knowledge needed to understand network topology and communicate effectively about path status.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed to determine the topology of a network comprising a master node and one or more slave nodes interconnected using unidirectional data connections. The master node makes available data to succeeding nodes, and a slave node reads data from a preceding node, the read data comprising information of a path from master node to the slave node. A further method is disclosed to configure the path by sending data from the slave node to all nodes on the path via bi-directional data connections between nodes.