PROFINET Access in Industrial SDN Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for integrating PROFINET industrial Ethernet devices into industrial software defined networks face challenges in protocol identification, analysis, processing, and establishing communication logic, particularly in deeply integrated IT and OT environments, where traditional SDN access methods are not sufficient.
Innovation Solution
The proposed method involves a message processing flow in industrial software defined network switches and controllers, where PROFINET-DCP broadcast messages are forwarded based on flow table matching, and logical communication links are established through the issuance of flow tables, enabling device networking and communication logic configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional SDN access methods are used for PROFINET devices, then network integration is simplified, but protocol identification and communication establishment cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the SDN switch captures PROFINET DCP broadcast messages and forwards them to the controller, which then processes these messages to establish communication logic. This intermediary handling enables the SDN system to understand and manage PROFINET protocols without direct protocol implementation in the switch, resolving the contradiction between simplified integration and reliable protocol communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical protocol handling with software-based flow table matching and processing. Instead of hardcoding PROFINET protocol handling in the switch hardware, the system uses software-defined flow tables to match DCP messages and dynamically establish communication logic, achieving both simplicity and reliability through software flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If PROFINET protocol processing is implemented in SDN switches, then device access is achieved, but switch complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the PROFINET protocol processing functionality between the SDN switch and the controller. The switch handles only basic message capture and forwarding to the controller, while the controller performs the complex protocol analysis, address resolution, and communication logic establishment. This segmentation maintains ease of device access while minimizing switch complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that handles the complex PROFINET protocol processing tasks. The switch simply forwards captured DCP messages to the controller, which then processes them through flow table matching and generates appropriate flow table entries. This intermediary approach enables device access without burdening the switch with complex protocol handling.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration is used for PROFINET device access, then communication logic is precise, but deployment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where PROFINET devices automatically perform device discovery, address resolution, and communication logic establishment through their own operations. The master station sends DCP broadcast messages, slave stations respond with their information, and the controller automatically processes these messages to generate flow tables. This automated self-configuration achieves precise communication logic without manual intervention, dramatically reducing deployment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the master station broadcast discovery messages before actual data communication begins. The controller pre-processes these broadcast messages to extract device information and establish communication logic in advance, so that when data transmission starts, the flow tables are already configured. This preliminary processing enables precise communication setup without delaying deployment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention designs an access method of a PROFINET protocol in an industrial SDN, comprising a message processing flow of the PROFINET industrial Ethernet protocol in an industrial software defined network switch, a message processing flow of the PROFINET industrial Ethernet protocol in an industrial software defined network controller and an access processing flow of a PROFINET industrial Ethernet device. With respect to the problems of difficulty in identification, resolution and processing of the PROFINET industrial Ethernet protocol under an industrial control network architecture and difficulty in access of the PROFINET industrial Ethernet device and establishment of a communication relationship under an industrial software defined network architecture, the present invention provides a network communication basis for the operation of the PROFINET industrial Ethernet device in an industrial software defined network.