Proxy Service Nodes for Legacy Industrial Protocol Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial automation systems face challenges in enabling low-capability devices to support high-level tasks and services due to limitations in communication protocols, which restrict the use of existing proxy solutions like DNS and WINS, and require expensive upgrades to support advanced protocols.
Innovation Solution
A proxy service provider system within a Software Defined Automation (SDA) framework, utilizing a Software Defined Network (SDN) with a network controller to redirect communication flows based on criteria other than IP addresses, allowing proxy service nodes to handle communication on behalf of target devices, thereby enhancing their capabilities without hardware upgrades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If low-capability devices are used in industrial automation systems, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but the ability to support high-level tasks and advanced communication protocols deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proxy service node as an intermediary between low-capability devices and high-level service requests. The proxy node intercepts service requests, translates them into native protocols that legacy devices can understand, and forwards them appropriately. This mediator approach allows simple devices to access advanced services without requiring the devices themselves to be upgraded with complex protocol stacks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the intelligence and protocol translation capabilities from the device level to the network level by introducing a Software Defined Network (SDN) architecture. This dimensional shift places the complex processing in a separate network layer rather than requiring it in each endpoint device, enabling legacy devices to benefit from advanced services through network-based translation and routing.
2Ease of operation
If existing proxy solutions like DNS and WINS are used, then service routing is enabled, but compatibility with industrial communication protocols deteriorates due to IP address restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the routing parameters from traditional IP address-based routing to service-request-based routing. Instead of relying on fixed IP address mappings like DNS and WINS, the SDN controller dynamically routes service requests based on the actual service needed, the target device characteristics, and current network conditions. This parameter change enables flexible routing that adapts to various industrial protocols without being constrained by IP addressing schemes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic routing capabilities where the SDN controller can adaptively direct service requests in real-time based on network conditions, device availability, and service requirements. This dynamic approach replaces static DNS/WINS resolution with flexible, on-the-fly routing decisions that can handle diverse industrial protocols and changing network topologies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If devices are upgraded to support advanced protocols, then protocol compatibility and service capability are improved, but cost and device complexity increase prohibitively
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy service node serves as a mediator that handles protocol translation and service management externally, allowing legacy devices to access advanced services without internal upgrades. The device remains simple while the intermediary provides the necessary complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual representation of advanced services through proxy nodes that mimic the functionality of devices with native protocol support. Instead of physically upgrading devices, the system creates software-based copies of advanced service capabilities that interact with legacy devices through their existing interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for providing a proxy service in an industrial system, and in particular a Software Defined Automation system that includes a Software Defined Network with a network controller node. The method includes providing in such an industrial system, a proxy service engine comprising at least one proxy service node. And wherein the network controller node directs incoming service requests to proxy service nodes, based on a rule set. The proxy service nodes will process the service request, upon which the requested service will be delivered.