Process Network Configuration Using Topology, Timing, and QoS Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network configuration in industrial plants is manually performed after control functions are configured, leading to inefficient and late-stage testing, which can result in suboptimal network performance.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for configuring a process network that involves creating communication intents, resolving endpoints based on network topology, and binding them with timing and QoS requirements to generate qualified connectivity requests for automated network configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If network configuration is done manually after control functions are configured, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but network performance optimization and testing are delayed to later project phases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing network configuration automatically during the control function configuration phase, rather than manually after completion. The system resolves communication endpoints, determines network topology, and configures network devices in advance, enabling network performance testing to occur much earlier in the project lifecycle while maintaining ease of configuration through automated processes
2Reliability
If automated network configuration is implemented, then network performance optimization is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional configuration steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the network configuration system to automatically resolve communication endpoints, determine network topology, and configure network devices without requiring manual intervention. The system independently performs endpoint resolution by matching communication endpoints to network devices based on topology information, automatically generates configuration parameters, and configures network devices, thereby improving network performance while managing complexity through automation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a centralized configuration system that mediates between control functions and network devices. This intermediary system manages the complex tasks of endpoint resolution, topology determination, and network configuration, isolating the complexity from both the control functions and network devices while ensuring optimized network performance
3Ease of operation
If manual network configuration is used, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but engineering effort and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the manual mechanical process of network configuration with an automated computational system. Instead of engineers manually configuring network devices step-by-step, the system automatically resolves communication endpoints, determines network topology, generates configuration parameters, and configures network devices, thereby maintaining operational simplicity while dramatically improving engineering efficiency and reducing time consumption
Data Source
AI summary
A method for creating a configuration of a communication network, which includes networking and automation devices with embedded networking functions, the automation devices comprising communication endpoints providing and/or consuming application data of attached automation application functions running on the automation devices. The method includes communicating information about application functions and intents, receiving and resolving, by determining physical or virtual devices according to the network topology, to obtain identities and addresses of the communication endpoints; receiving timing information and further QoS requirements, and binding, taking into account the timing information and the further QoS requirements; creating qualified connectivity requests for the communication between the identifiable and addressable communication endpoints, and obtaining configuration information according to which the process network can be configured.