Rail Vehicle Network Device Configuration via Existence Reporting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for configuring networks between coupled rail vehicles rely on fixed internal databases, which can lead to connectivity issues when devices or vehicle types are not listed, and are vulnerable to hacker attacks since they depend on vehicle controllers for information exchange.
Innovation Solution
A method where the first server reports its existence independently of the vehicle controller, allowing the second server to configure devices for communication without access to an internal database, using a universal plug-and-play protocol and multicast methods to ensure secure and adaptive communication between devices on coupled rail vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed internal database is used for device configuration, then the configuration process is simple and fast, but the system cannot adapt to unknown devices or vehicle types
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having servers report their existence and properties in advance through existence messages. The second server receives and processes these messages before communication is needed, preparing configuration information proactively. This allows the system to adapt to unknown devices without complex real-time configuration processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where existence messages serve as a mediator between the first server and second server. These messages contain device information that enables the second server to configure communication parameters without directly accessing complex databases or performing intricate configuration procedures, thus simplifying the process while improving adaptability.
2Reliability
If information exchange depends on vehicle controllers, then the network configuration is centralized and controllable, but the system becomes vulnerable to hacker attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the information exchange mechanism by separating it from the vehicle controller. Servers directly exchange existence messages with each other independently of the vehicle controller, creating distinct communication pathways. This segmentation isolates the configuration process from potential security vulnerabilities in the controller, enhancing network security while maintaining a relatively simple information exchange mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If devices must be listed in internal databases to communicate, then connection establishment is reliable, but new device types cannot be connected
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static database-based configuration to a dynamic existence message-based configuration. Servers dynamically report their presence and properties through existence messages, allowing the second server to adaptively configure communication parameters. This dynamic approach enables support for new device types while maintaining connection reliability through the structured message exchange protocol.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for configuring at least one device (11, 12) in a network (16). The network (16) extends over a first rail vehicle (2) and a second rail vehicle (4) coupled to the first rail vehicle (2). The network (16) has a first server (10) of the first rail vehicle (2) and a second server (11) of the second rail vehicle (4) arranged in it. In order to improve the configuration method, it is proposed that the first server (10) reports its existence in the network (16), the second server (11) receives the existence report from the first server (10), and a device (11, 12) of the second rail vehicle (4) is configured for communication with at least one particular device (10, 12) of the first rail vehicle (2) by using the existence report from the first server (10).