Ring Coupling Node for Seamless Redundancy in Industrial Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current industrial communication systems, particularly those using ring networks for time-critical processes, face challenges in seamlessly integrating non-ring devices and achieving low recovery delays, which can lead to system interruptions and increased hardware costs due to the need for complete duplication of networks.
Innovation Solution
A ring coupling node with three communication ports connects to neighbor nodes and non-ring devices, generating and transmitting redundant frames in both directions to ensure seamless redundancy, allowing for the integration of non-ring devices and reducing hardware costs by utilizing existing protocols like PRP and HSR.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complete duplication of the local area network is implemented to provide seamless operation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and hardware cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two separate redundant networks into a single ring network structure. Instead of maintaining two independent parallel networks as in PRP, the invention combines them into one ring where traffic can flow in both directions, reducing hardware requirements while maintaining redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring network structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides redundancy, enables bidirectional traffic flow, and supports both ring-connected and non-ring devices through a single infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate redundant networks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If restoration based on redirection of information flow is used after failure detection, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases due to recovery delay
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring bidirectional traffic flow paths before any failure occurs. Both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions are ready to carry traffic simultaneously, so when a failure is detected, traffic can immediately switch to the opposite direction without waiting for path discovery or reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring network maintains continuous useful action by ensuring that traffic flow never completely stops. When a failure occurs, traffic is seamlessly redirected in the opposite direction, maintaining continuous data transmission without interruption or delay, as both directional paths are actively maintained at all times.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switching nodes are added to support more non-ring devices, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases due to forwarding delay
Solution Approach 1:
The ring coupling node acts as an intermediary between non-ring devices and the ring network. It performs the frame duplication and injection functions, eliminating the need for each switching node to individually handle non-ring device connections. This centralized mediation reduces the number of forwarding operations required throughout the network.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments are directed to a network coupling device connected over a respective first and second port in a communication network with a ring topology operating with full duplex links. When sending information, the coupling device inserts two duplicate frames in the ring, one over each of its ports. The frames containing information that identifies these two frames as a pair of duplicates of the same frame. Each similar device in the ring includes a Switching Element that receives a frame from one port and forwards the frame to the other port without modification. The Switching Element discards a frame that was originally sent by that same node, discards a frame that it already forwarded in that direction, and/or discards a frame that it cannot recognize as being a member of a pair. A further similar device on the ring is able to receive the two duplicate frames and pass the earlier received frames of a pair to the application, while discarding the later, received frames based on the identification within the frames.