PRP Network Interconnection via Unique MAC Addresses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial process control and automation systems using Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP) face critical communication disruptions and catastrophic failures when inadvertent physical connections are made between independent networks, leading to MAC flapping errors and incorrect spanning tree recovery procedures.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method and system that establishes independent network paths using two parallel networks with unique network addresses, preventing duplication of MAC addresses and allowing for intentional interconnection of PRP networks in a managed switch environment, thereby preventing network errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If PRP networks use the same MAC addresses for packets on each independent network, then PRP compatibility is maintained, but MAC flapping errors occur when networks are interconnected

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePRP compatibilityVSAvoidnetwork stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making MAC addresses network-specific rather than universal. Each PRP network uses unique MAC addresses tailored to its specific network identifier, so that MAC addresses have different properties (uniqueness) in different networks. This resolves the contradiction by allowing PRP compatibility within each network while preventing MAC flapping errors between networks through intentional differentiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the MAC address parameter from being identical across networks to being unique per network. By modifying the MAC address parameter to incorporate network-specific identifiers, the system maintains PRP compatibility (same protocol) while eliminating the harmful effect of MAC flapping through parameter differentiation. This allows interconnection without errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If two PRP networks are kept independent with no inter-connections, then communication stability is maintained, but network flexibility and manageability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication stabilityVSAvoidnetwork flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables networks to have local quality through unique MAC addresses assigned to each network identifier. This allows networks to be intentionally interconnected while maintaining stability, as each network's unique MAC addresses prevent conflicts. The system adapts from rigid independence to flexible interconnection with controlled stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The network identifier acts as an intermediary that mediates between the need for unique MAC addresses and PRP compatibility. By incorporating the network identifier into MAC address generation, the system creates a bridging mechanism that allows interconnection while preventing MAC flapping errors, thus enabling flexibility without sacrificing stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If PRP networks are interconnected, then network flexibility is improved, but MAC flapping errors and spanning tree recovery issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork flexibilityVSAvoidMAC flapping errors

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively preventing MAC flapping errors through unique MAC address assignment before interconnection occurs. Instead of reacting to errors after they occur, the system pre-configures MAC addresses to be network-specific, which eliminates the possibility of MAC flapping and spanning tree recovery issues when networks are interconnected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of MAC address duplication into a benefit by using the network identifier to create unique MAC addresses. What could have been a harmful condition (same MAC addresses causing flapping) is transformed into a beneficial differentiation mechanism that enables safe interconnection and prevents errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentEP4072104B1Method and system for parallel redundancy protocol in connected networks

Publication Date: 2025.05.28 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

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AI summary

The data communication system and method is disclosed comprising at least a first network and a second network, wherein a first node interface is connected to a second node interface over the first network and to a second node interface over the second network. The first network and second network being operated in parallel. The data communication system sends data from the first node interface to the second node interface via the first network using a first network address and sends data from the first node interface to the second node interface via the second network using a second network address, wherein the second network address is not equivalent to the first network address.