Packet-Transfer Control Architecture for Multi-Controller Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control apparatus configurations for factory automation require multiple communication units and complex network setups when multiple control apparatuses are connected, leading to increased network traffic and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus with a packet transferring part that duplicates and processes packets based on header information, allowing necessary packets to be transferred between control apparatuses without the need for additional hubs, thereby simplifying network connections and reducing traffic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication units are used to connect control apparatuses to different networks, then network connectivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control apparatus is equipped with multiple network controllers (first and second network controllers) that can handle different communication protocols (Ethernet and TCP/IP). This multi-functional design allows a single device to connect to multiple types of networks simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate dedicated communication units for each network type, thus improving network connectivity while managing device complexity.
2Reliability
If all received packets are transmitted to all network controllers, then data exchange completeness is improved, but network traffic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packet transferring part examines the header information of each received packet to determine its destination and selectively transmits duplicates only to the relevant network controller(s). This targeted approach ensures that each network controller receives only the packets it needs to process, maintaining data exchange completeness while significantly reducing unnecessary network traffic compared to broadcasting all packets to all controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of transmitting complete duplicates of all packets to all network controllers (excessive action), the system performs partial transmission by sending packets only to the specific network controllers that require them based on protocol matching and destination analysis. This partial action approach maintains reliability while optimizing network traffic efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure provides a means for simplifying the configuration of network connection even when a plurality of control apparatuses are connected in a network. A control apparatus (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) for controlling an object under control includes a first network controller and a second network controller (110, 120) for exchanging data according to a first communication protocol, and a packet transferring part (170, 172, 174, 176) for outputting a duplicate of a packet received by the first network controller from the second network controller and outputting a duplicate of a packet received by the second network controller from the first network controller.