PRP Frame Encoding for Wide Area Network Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current parallel redundancy protocols, such as PRP, are designed for local area networks and fail to maintain reliability and interoperability when extended to wide area networks, leading to potential single point failures and long recovery times due to the loss of source MAC addresses and sequence numbers during data transmission.
Innovation Solution
The method involves encoding the source MAC address and RCT information of PRP frames using XOR operations to ensure that the encoded data fits within the RCT fields, allowing the frames to be transmitted over wide area networks while maintaining compatibility with existing standards, thereby retaining the original MAC address and LAN identifier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If PRP frames are transmitted over WANs using standard protocols, then communication coverage is extended, but source MAC addresses are lost and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary encoding mechanism that transforms source MAC addresses and RCT information into a format suitable for WAN transmission. The encoder acts as a mediator between the PRP protocol (designed for LANs) and WAN transmission requirements, preserving critical identification information through encoding while allowing standard WAN routing to function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation of source MAC addresses and RCT information by encoding them into compact formats. Instead of transmitting raw MAC addresses that would be replaced by router MAC addresses, the system encodes them into condensed representations that can be embedded within the RCT field, maintaining their identity throughout WAN transmission.
2Loss of information
If RCT fields are used to encode source MAC addresses, then MAC address retention is achieved, but field space becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter compression by transforming the representation of source MAC addresses and RCT information. Instead of using the full 48-bit MAC address format, the system encodes them into compact forms that fit within the limited RCT field space, changing the parameter representation to accommodate space constraints while preserving essential information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the encoding process into distinct operations: encoding the source MAC address separately, encoding the RCT information separately, and then combining them within the RCT field. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for space efficiency while maintaining the ability to recover all original information at the destination.
3Reliability
If sequence numbers are encoded to fit RCT fields, then frame identification is maintained, but information loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the encoding of source MAC addresses and RCT information into a unified encoding scheme. Instead of treating them as separate entities that would compete for limited RCT field space, the system combines their encoded representations, allowing both pieces of information to coexist within the constrained field while maintaining their individual identifiability through the decoding process.
Data Source
AI summary
A parallel redundancy protocol (PRP) frame is generated at a first electronic device for transmission to a second electronic device over a LAN and a WAN. The PRP frame includes a source MAC address field, packet data, and a redundancy control trailer (RCT). The RCT is compliant with IEC standard 62439-3 and includes a sequence number field, a LAN identifier field, and a frame size field. The source MAC address of the first electronic device and at least one of a sequence number, a LAN identifier and a frame size for the RCT fields of the PRP frame are encoded, and the encoded data is inserted in at least one of the RCT fields of the PRP frame in place of the sequence number, LAN identifier and/or frame size. The PRP frame is transmitted to the second electronic device with the encoded data in the RCT.