Interoperability Between Real-Time Ethernet Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Real-time Ethernet implementations, such as PROFINET, EtherCAT, and Ethernet/IP, are not interoperable due to custom media access control layers, preventing them from connecting to standard IEEE 802.1 switches and requiring a solution for coexistence and interoperability with TS networks, which also face challenges in clock synchronization and data egress scheduling.
Innovation Solution
A system with switch circuitry and network nodes that map data routing between real-time networks, insert/remove routing information, and synchronize clocks using time stamps, allowing for interoperability and scheduled data egress across different real-time networks by configuring VLAN tags and egress periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If custom media access control layers are used in real-time Ethernet implementations, then real-time data transfer performance is improved, but interoperability with standard IEEE 802.1 switches and other real-time networks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary translation layer that converts between custom real-time Ethernet protocols (PROFINET, EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP) and standard IEEE 802.1 VLAN-tagged Ethernet. This mediator enables interoperability without sacrificing real-time performance by translating protocol-specific MAC layer frames into standardized VLAN-tagged packets that carry protocol identification information, allowing standard switches to handle real-time traffic while maintaining protocol-specific timing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation by embedding protocol identification parameters within VLAN tags and using these parameters to route packets to appropriate protocol handlers. By modifying how protocol identity is encoded (from dedicated custom MAC implementations to standardized VLAN tag parameters), the system enables multiple real-time protocols to coexist on standard Ethernet infrastructure while maintaining their respective real-time performance characteristics.
2Reliability
If multiple real-time Ethernet protocols are deployed independently, then each protocol's specific real-time requirements are met, but network complexity and difficulty of integration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal network infrastructure where a single standard IEEE 802.1 switch can handle multiple real-time Ethernet protocols simultaneously through VLAN tagging. Instead of requiring separate dedicated networks for PROFINET, EtherCAT, and Ethernet/IP, the system enables one switch to perform multiple protocol routing functions by identifying protocols through VLAN tag parameters and directing traffic accordingly, thereby reducing overall network complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network traffic by protocol type using VLAN tags, allowing each protocol's real-time requirements to be handled independently within the unified switch infrastructure. By dividing the network traffic into protocol-specific VLAN segments while maintaining a single physical network backbone, the system reduces integration complexity compared to maintaining separate physical networks for each protocol.
3Productivity
If clock synchronization is implemented across multiple real-time networks, then coordinated data transfer is improved, but synchronization precision and latency control become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary clock synchronization by having the switch synchronize its internal clock to a reference time source before processing real-time packets. By pre-synchronizing the switch clock and using this synchronized time base for timestamping and scheduling VLAN-tagged real-time packets, the system ensures that coordination across multiple protocols occurs with minimal additional latency and maintained precision, rather than attempting to synchronize clocks during packet transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for interoperating between real time networks. Systems may include a plurality of ports and switch circuitry coupled to the plurality of ports. At least one port may be coupled to a first real time network carrying first traffic. One or more other ports may be coupled to a second real time network carrying second traffic. Switch circuitry may route packets between the first real time network and the one or more second real time networks based on a mapping. Routing information may be inserted in packets routed from the one or more second real time networks to the first real time network and routing information may be removed from the packets routed from the first real time network to the one or more second real time networks. Packets may be routed based on the mapping to distinct queues for the first and second traffic.