Ring Network Relay Device Path Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In High Availability Seamless Redundancy (HSR) network systems, the use of bidirectional paths reduces communication bandwidth efficiency, leading to increased construction costs for multiple control systems and a higher probability of network failures affecting communication across systems.
Innovation Solution
A network system with multiple communication devices and relay devices connected in a ring shape, where relay devices select transmission paths based on predetermined rules to optimize packet transmission between communication devices, reducing the need for redundant paths and minimizing wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bidirectional paths are used in HSR network, then failure recovery time is reduced to zero, but communication bandwidth efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path selection in relay devices where the forwarding behavior changes based on real-time network conditions. When a failure is detected, the relay device dynamically switches from normal forwarding to failure recovery mode, selecting alternative paths automatically. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain high reliability during failures while optimizing bandwidth utilization during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of relay devices based on network state. During normal operation, relay devices forward packets bidirectionally to optimize bandwidth usage. When failures occur, the parameters change to unidirectional forwarding through alternative paths, ensuring zero recovery time while adapting bandwidth efficiency to current network conditions.
2Reliability
If separate ring networks are constructed for each control system, then resistance to network failure is improved, but construction cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control systems into a single shared ring network infrastructure, reducing construction costs by eliminating redundant physical network components. Multiple control systems share the same physical ring network and relay devices, significantly reducing the cost compared to constructing separate ring networks for each system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the shared ring network into multiple virtual control systems through logical isolation mechanisms. Each control system is assigned specific time slots or priority levels for packet transmission, ensuring that failures or congestion in one system do not affect others, thereby maintaining high resistance to network failures despite shared infrastructure.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple control systems share a single ring network, then construction cost is reduced, but the probability of network failure affecting other control systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces relay devices as intermediary components between different control systems on the shared ring network. These relay devices act as mediators that selectively forward or block packets based on system priorities and failure states, preventing failures in one control system from propagating to others while maintaining cost-effective shared infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality levels of packet handling to different control systems within the same physical network. Critical control systems receive priority forwarding and enhanced protection mechanisms, while less critical systems operate with standard handling. This local differentiation ensures that failures in non-critical systems do not impact critical systems, maintaining isolation despite shared infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a network system or the like in which the construction cost of a network for a plurality of control systems is suppressed which is excellent in resistance to a network failure. In order to solve the problems, according to the present invention, there is provided a network system including a plurality of communication devices that are disposed in a plurality of bases, and are grouped into predetermined control systems for each of the devices which transmit and receive packets to and from each other so as to monitor or control target equipment, and a plurality of relay devices each of which includes a plurality of communication ports and transmits a packet transmitted by the communication device to another communication device, in which a plurality of communication devices disposed in each base are connected in parallel between the two relay devices, the relay devices disposed in different bases are connected to each other in a ring shape via a network, and a plurality of communication devices disposed in at least one base include communication devices belonging to different control systems.