PROFINET Adapter Splitter for Single IP Network Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
PROFINET subscribers connected to a switch or adapter often present with two different IP addresses, complicating direct TCP/IP communication and network connections.
Innovation Solution
A PROFINET adapter with a switch, at least two Ethernet interfaces, and a splitter that divides and routes real-time and near real-time data packets, allowing for direct TCP/IP communication with a single IP address and simplifying connections to real-time or isochronous real-time networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a PROFINET subscriber is connected to a switch or adapter with two different IP addresses, then the device can communicate with both RT and NRT networks, but the network complexity increases and direct TCP/IP communication becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a PROFINET adapter as an intermediary device between the RT/IRT network and NRT networks. The adapter has a first Ethernet interface for RT/IRT communication and a second Ethernet interface for NRT communication, acting as a mediator that translates and routes packets between these networks. This allows devices to communicate with both network types without requiring dual IP addresses on each device, thereby reducing network complexity while maintaining communication versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple IP addresses are assigned to PROFINET devices, then comprehensive network coverage is achieved, but administrative overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the RT/IRT network interface and NRT network interface into a single PROFINET adapter device. The adapter consolidates multiple network functions (RT communication, IRT communication, NRT communication) into one unit with a single IP address, eliminating the need to assign and manage multiple IP addresses on individual devices. This reduces administrative overhead while maintaining comprehensive network coverage through the adapter's multiple interfaces.
3Device complexity
If direct TCP/IP communication is implemented without a splitter, then device simplicity is maintained, but network efficiency decreases due to lack of packet routing optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network traffic into different types (RT packets, IRT packets, NRT packets) and routes them through appropriate interfaces using a splitter component. The splitter analyzes incoming packets and directs them to the correct destination interface based on packet type and destination address, optimizing network efficiency by preventing unnecessary traffic processing while maintaining device simplicity through automated routing logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A PROFINET adapter having at least one first and one second Ethernet interface for coupling a subscriber to a PROFINET network. The PROFINET adapter comprises a third Ethernet interface, a number of at least one application interface and a splitter. The third Ethernet interface is designed at least for exchanging Ethernet-based data packets. The splitter is connected to the switch, the PROFINET protocol stack, the application interfaces and the third Ethernet interface, and is designed to divide real-time data packets and near real-time data packets according to a certain configuration and to transmit them between the switch and the application interface and/or the third Ethernet interface.