Server Multicast for Process Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automation systems, the existing OPC UA protocol requires multiple transmissions of process values to multiple client devices, leading to server overload and increased complexity, which impairs communication behavior and requires more expensive circuitry.
Innovation Solution
A method where a server device forms an intersection of process parameters to be sent to multiple client devices, combining their current values into a single multi-target telegram and sending it to a group address, reducing redundant transmissions and adapting to client needs dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the server device transmits process values to multiple client devices using traditional OPC UA protocol, then each client device receives the required process information, but the server becomes overloaded and communication efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual process value transmissions into a single multicast transmission. The server device creates an intersection of process parameters needed by multiple clients and transmits them together in one multicast message to a group address, rather than sending separate unicast messages to each client. This merging approach maintains reliable information delivery to all clients while dramatically improving communication efficiency and reducing server load.
2Reliability
If the server device manages individual connections and sessions with each client device, then secure and reliable data transmission is achieved, but device complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication approach where a single multicast transmission serves multiple client devices simultaneously. Instead of managing individual sessions and connections with each client, the server device uses one multicast transmission that reaches all clients in the group. This multi-functional approach maintains secure and reliable data transmission while significantly reducing server complexity and computational requirements.
3Loss of information
If process values are transmitted repeatedly to multiple client devices, then each client receives up-to-date information, but data network bandwidth is consumed and communication from other devices is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple redundant transmissions of the same process values into a single multicast transmission. By combining all process parameters that need to be sent to multiple clients into one intersection set and transmitting them simultaneously via multicast, the system ensures all clients receive fresh information while consuming minimal network bandwidth and avoiding communication blocking.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a server device (12) in a system (10). The server device (12) determines in each case a current process value (A, B, C) at different transmission times of at least one process parameter of a process controlled by the system (10) and emits the determined current process values (A, B, C) to a plurality of client devices (14, 16, 18) of the system (10) for each process parameter in each case or a subset of the at least one process parameter via a data network (20). Data are intended to be interchanged efficiently. According to the invention, the server device (12) forms a cut set (VG1) from at least one process parameter which is to be emitted (S16') to more than one of the client devices (14, 16, 18). The server device (12) then combines in each case the current process values (A, B, C) of the at least one process parameter in the cut set (VG1) at the different transmission times to form a single multi-target message (22) and emits (S20) the multi-target message (22) to a group address (GA1) in the data network (20).