Protocol Evaluation Apparatus for Mixed Mode Network Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional SCADA systems require cumbersome and labor-intensive configuration for mixed-mode communication on a single network, especially in complex applications like electric power systems, where multiple protocols are used, and encryption is often desired for security but complicates network setup.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that evaluates and identifies various protocols on a computer network, allowing network devices using different protocols to communicate on a single network by using protocol evaluation apparatuses with multiple identifier modules to analyze message sequences and determine the appropriate protocol for each message.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate communication lines are used for different protocols, then protocol communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and configuration time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple protocol communication lines into a single shared communication line. The protocol identification module identifies different protocols (DNP3, MODBUS, IEC 61850) on the same physical line, allowing multiple protocols to coexist without requiring separate communication infrastructure, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining communication reliability through protocol-specific handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication line is designed to be universal, capable of carrying multiple different protocols simultaneously. The system implements multi-functionality by enabling a single communication line to handle various protocol types through the protocol identification and routing mechanism, eliminating the need for dedicated lines for each protocol.
2Manufacturing precision
If protocol-specific communication lines are used, then message transmission accuracy is improved, but configuration time and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automatic protocol identification. The protocol identification module autonomously detects and identifies the protocol type of incoming messages without requiring manual configuration, automatically routing messages to the appropriate handling logic. This eliminates time-consuming manual protocol configuration while maintaining accurate protocol-specific message processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol identification module performs preliminary action by pre-identifying and classifying message protocols before routing them to specific processing handlers. This preliminary protocol classification enables accurate message transmission handling without requiring subsequent manual intervention or reconfiguration.
3Reliability
If encryption is applied to all network devices, then security is improved, but compatibility and ease of operation decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by implementing selective encryption based on protocol type and device requirements. Rather than uniformly encrypting all communications, the encryption module applies encryption only to specific protocol messages that require it, leaving other messages in plaintext. This localized approach maintains security where needed while preserving ease of operation for non-sensitive communications.
Solution Approach 2:
The encryption configuration is dynamic rather than static. The system can adaptively enable or disable encryption based on the identified protocol type, device capabilities, and security requirements. This dynamic approach allows flexible security management without requiring manual reconfiguration for each device, improving both security and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a system, apparatus, and method for evaluating a variety of protocols on a computer network which includes a plurality of network devices. The network devices are adapted to communicate messages on the computer network using their respective protocols. The present invention system, apparatus and method are associated with one of the network devices. The present invention system, apparatus and method are further adapted to identify the various protocols on the network and analyze each message on the network to determine the protocol associated with the message. In another aspect of the present invention, the system and apparatus are adapted to determine whether to communicate a message to the associated network device based on this identification and analysis the message. The present invention embodiments allow for mixed mode communication on a single network.