Peer-to-Peer Configuration Recovery for Industrial Automation Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial automation systems face challenges in efficiently managing device configuration files during component replacements, leading to lengthy processes and opportunities for operator error, as existing systems rely on intermediary control systems that can cause communication delays and loss of configuration data.
Innovation Solution
A self-healing peer-to-peer communication network where network devices store backup configuration files, allowing them to automatically transmit and restore device configuration files when a device is replaced or loses its configuration, enabling independent operation and reducing reliance on intermediary control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized control system is used to manage device configuration files, then configuration management is centralized and controlled, but communication delays occur and downtime increases during device replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized configuration management function into distributed peer-to-peer communication among network devices. Each device maintains its own configuration file and can independently share configurations with peers, eliminating the single-point bottleneck of centralized control and enabling parallel configuration transfers that reduce downtime during device replacements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having network devices proactively generate and store backup configuration files before device failures or replacements occur. Configuration files are pre-synchronized across multiple peer devices, so when a device failure occurs, the backup configuration is already available for immediate restoration without waiting for centralized system response.
2Ease of operation
If configuration files are manually managed during device replacements, then operator control is maintained, but operator errors increase and replacement processes become lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by allowing network devices to automatically request, receive, and restore configuration files from peer devices without human intervention. The peer-to-peer communication protocol includes automatic configuration file transfer and validation mechanisms that eliminate manual configuration management steps, thereby removing the source of operator errors while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Device complexity
If intermediary control systems are used for configuration management, then centralized control is achieved, but communication latencies increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the intermediary control system by establishing direct peer-to-peer communication channels between network devices. Devices communicate configuration files directly through the network without routing through a centralized controller, removing the intermediary bottleneck and enabling faster configuration transfers that occur at network speed rather than through multiple processing layers.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of this present disclosure may include a system that includes a first network device. The first network device may perform an operation according to a device configuration file. The system may also include a second network device that directly communicatively couples to the first network device through a peer-to-peer (P-P) communication network. The second network device may include a backup file of the device configuration file. The second network device may transmit the backup file of the device configuration file to the first network device in response to detecting that the first network device is lacking the device configuration file.