Protected Network Path Selection Using Send-Frequency Load Phases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial network communication systems, such as PROFINET, struggle to efficiently map existing applications onto Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) protocols, particularly at higher link speeds, due to the lack of consideration for varying sending frequencies and reduction ratios, which limits the number of available paths and protected connections.
Innovation Solution
A method that takes into account the sending frequencies and reduction ratios of data packets when determining paths for data communication in industrial networks, using a database to track load on network nodes and adjust paths accordingly, allowing for more efficient use of resources and increased availability of protected connections by considering the load on ports in different send clocks or phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sending frequencies and reduction ratios are not considered when determining paths, then path determination is simpler, but the number of available paths and protected connections is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The path determination process is segmented by creating separate data structures (phase-dependent load information) for different send clocks/phases. This allows the system to handle complex frequency variations by breaking down the problem into phase-specific segments, enabling more paths to be identified without overwhelming complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Load information for different phases is determined and stored in advance before path determination occurs. This preliminary action allows the path determination algorithm to efficiently query pre-computed phase load data, reducing real-time complexity while enabling comprehensive path analysis across multiple frequencies.
2Productivity
If phase-dependent load information is tracked for all send clocks, then more protected connections can be established, but data processing and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly tracking load across all phases for all connections, the system applies local quality by maintaining phase-dependent load information specifically at network nodes where protected connections are established. This localized approach enables more protected connections to be tracked efficiently without proportionally increasing overall data processing volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements partial tracking by focusing phase-dependent load information only on relevant network nodes and paths that actually carry protected connections, rather than comprehensively tracking all possible paths. This partial action approach enables sufficient protected connection establishment without excessive data processing requirements.
3Productivity
If reduction ratios are configured for different senders, then sending frequencies can be optimized, but the complexity of network configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system manages configuration complexity by dynamically adjusting the reduction ratio parameter based on phase-dependent load conditions. Instead of requiring manual configuration of complex timing parameters, the system automatically modifies the reduction ratio parameter to optimize data transmission efficiency while adapting to network conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Reduction ratios are made dynamic rather than static, allowing them to be adjusted based on real-time phase load information. This dynamic approach enables optimized data transmission efficiency without requiring complex manual configuration, as the system automatically adapts reduction ratios to current network conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer program and method for data communication in a network having a plurality of network nodes, via which method data packets are to be transferred between communication partners over protected connections, wherein the data packets originate from at least two different sending communication partners, or senders, and wherein the sending frequencies of at least two senders, at which the senders send data packets that are to be transferred over a protected connection, differ from one another, and the sending frequencies and/or variables representing same being taken into account when finding a path for the transfer of the data packets of at least one protected connection.