Path Controller Architecture for QoS in Mobile Machine Formations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data flow exchange architectures in mobile vehicle formations struggle to efficiently manage different types of data flows, impose specific paths, and monitor path usage without modifying the communication network, particularly due to varying bandwidth and operational constraints.
Innovation Solution
A data flow exchange architecture comprising communication platforms with security domains, switches, central modules, and path controllers that establish and enforce communication plans to reserve bandwidth for privileged flows, and monitor link throughput without altering the existing communication network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bandwidth reservation is implemented for privileged flows, then quality of service is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional path control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The communication platform is segmented into functional modules: security domains for data processing, switches for routing decisions, central modules for coordination, and path controllers for path management. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific QoS functions independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable privileged flow transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
Path controllers act as intermediary elements between switches and central modules, specifically managing path selection and bandwidth reservation for privileged flows. These intermediaries absorb the complexity of path control logic, allowing switches to focus on basic routing while ensuring QoS through coordinated path management.
2Reliability
If specific paths are imposed for data flows, then quality of service is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to reduced flexibility in path selection
Solution Approach 1:
The path control system dynamically adjusts paths based on real-time conditions. Path controllers monitor link status and bandwidth availability, automatically selecting optimal paths for privileged flows while allowing flexible operation for other data. This dynamic adaptation maintains QoS reliability without permanently restricting operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different quality characteristics are applied locally to different data flows. Privileged flows receive guaranteed bandwidth and specific path treatment, while other flows operate with standard routing policies. This local differentiation ensures QoS for critical flows without compromising overall system ease of operation.
3Measurement precision
If path monitoring is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional monitoring mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Path monitoring functions are merged into existing path control mechanisms. Path controllers that manage path selection also perform monitoring of link throughput and bandwidth utilization, eliminating the need for separate monitoring hardware or complex additional systems. This integration achieves precise measurement while minimizing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The path control system performs self-monitoring to verify its own performance. Path controllers measure actual throughput and bandwidth usage on assigned paths to validate QoS guarantees, using their existing processing capabilities rather than requiring external monitoring systems. This self-service approach provides precise measurement without adding significant complexity.
4Reliability
If communication network is modified to enforce paths, then quality of service is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to reduced flexibility in network configuration
Solution Approach 1:
Path controllers pre-establish bandwidth reservations and path configurations for privileged flows before data transmission begins. This preliminary action ensures QoS is guaranteed from the start without requiring continuous network modifications or rigid configurations. The system adapts to changing conditions while maintaining pre-established QoS pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as bandwidth allocation and path selection dynamically rather than modifying the fundamental network architecture. Path controllers adjust routing decisions and bandwidth parameters in response to conditions while maintaining the flexibility to reconfigure as needed, preserving both QoS and adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an exchange architecture (10) comprising a plurality of communication platforms (12A,…,12N) and links (14) connecting these communication platforms (12A,…,12N). The architecture (10) is characterised in that each communication platform (12A,…,12N) comprises a path controller (24) connected between at least one security domain and a switch of this platform, identifiable by an address and configured to modify each packet received, when this communication platform (12A,…,12N) is not the destination platform of this packet, in order to transfer it to the path controller of a following communication platform (12A,…,12N) connected by a link (14) to this communication platform (12A,…,12N).