Processing Module Location Determination via Discover Messages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distributed processing systems face inefficiencies due to the need for fixed-size cabinets to house multiple processing modules, which are not scalable and result in unnecessary costs when not all slots are filled, and there is a lack of location-based identifiers in modular configurations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that automatically determine the location of interconnected processing modules by broadcasting discover messages, disabling communications, and analyzing responses to assign location-based identifiers, allowing arbitrary numbers of modules to be connected without fixed-size cabinets and verifying interconnect wiring consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed-size cabinets are used to house processing modules, then location-based identifiers can be automatically assigned, but the system becomes non-scalable and incurs unnecessary costs when slots are not filled
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the processing module enclosure into separate modular units that can be independently connected. Each processing module becomes a self-contained unit with its own identifier capabilities, eliminating the need for a fixed-size cabinet structure while maintaining automatic identifier assignment through the discovery protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fixed-size cabinets to dynamic modular configurations. The discovery protocol dynamically determines the location and connectivity of processing modules at runtime, allowing the system to adapt to arbitrary numbers of modules without requiring predetermined cabinet structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular processing module enclosures are used to achieve scalability, then arbitrary numbers of modules can be connected, but location-based identifiers cannot be automatically assigned
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary discovery actions where a discover message is broadcast before operational assignments are made. This preliminary discovery phase identifies the topology and locations of all processing modules, enabling subsequent automatic assignment of location-based identifiers without requiring fixed cabinet structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The discovery protocol implements a feedback mechanism where processing modules respond to discover messages with their identity and connectivity information. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically determine module locations and assign identifiers based on the actual network topology, achieving both scalability and automatic identification.
3Adaptability or versatility
If processing modules are connected in modular configurations, then cost-effectiveness improves, but wiring consistency verification becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service verification where processing modules autonomously participate in the discovery and verification process. Each module responds to discover messages and provides information about its connections, enabling automatic wiring consistency verification without requiring external testing equipment or complex manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The discovery message acts as an intermediary that facilitates verification between processing modules. By broadcasting discover messages and collecting responses, the system mediates the verification process, automatically detecting wiring inconsistencies without requiring direct pairwise testing between all modules.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer program products for automatically determining locations of interconnected processing modules are disclosed. Physical identifiers are determined for each of a plurality of processing modules connected to each other in a linear topology. Communications are iteratively disabled with each of the processing modules. Discover messages are sent to active, reachable processing modules and responses are received from the active processing modules that receive the discover messages. Based on the number of responses, the location of each processing module is determined.