Ring Master Cross-Traffic Management in Ethernet Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for maintaining data communication in ring topologies of real-time capable Ethernet networks are inadequate for industrial applications, particularly in handling errors such as cable breaks or defective nodes, as they are either too slow or require specialized hardware, and do not effectively manage direct cross-traffic between slaves.
Innovation Solution
The method involves configuring the ring master to forward or block data packets and send multicast configuration data packets to adjust address tables in slaves, allowing for rapid reconfiguration of the network using standard network switches, enabling short switching times and maintaining data communication without additional hardware requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard Ethernet protocols are used for industrial automation, then ease of operation is improved, but real-time capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the timing parameters of Ethernet communication by implementing fixed transmission slots and deterministic forwarding rules in ring topology networks. This transforms standard Ethernet's variable timing into a deterministic system where each node forwards packets within predetermined time windows, achieving real-time capability while maintaining Ethernet protocol compatibility
2Device complexity
If spanning tree protocol is used for ring topology, then device complexity is reduced, but switching time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures the ring topology with predetermined forwarding rules and maintains active ring structure without collapsing to tree topology. Nodes are pre-programmed with forwarding tables that enable immediate packet redirection upon detecting ring breaks, eliminating the time-consuming spanning tree convergence process while keeping device logic simple
3Adaptability or versatility
If multicast traffic is forwarded in ring topology, then adaptability is improved, but harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ring topology into directed acyclic graph paths for multicast traffic. By designating specific forward and backward ports at each node and creating unidirectional forwarding paths, the system allows multicast adaptability while preventing uncontrolled circulation through structured path segmentation that eliminates feedback loops
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2a~6
Figure 4~5
AI summary
In order to maintain direct cross-communication between slaves in a ring topology of an Ethernet-based data network even in the event of a fault in the ring topology that leads to an interruption of the ring topology, it is provided that in the event of the occurrence (correction) of a fault (F) in the ring-shaped data network (1), the ring master (RM) is configured to forward data packets or to block at least multicast data packets, and the master (M) requests the at least two slaves (S1, S2) communicating with each other via cross-communication to send configuration data packets (DPMC1, DPMC2) as multicast data packets to the respective other slaves (S1,...,Sn) of the ring-shaped data network in order to adapt address tables (AT1, AT2) in the at least two slaves (S1, S2) communicating with each other via cross-communication.