Source Node Independent Network Path Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Real-time automation systems are vulnerable to data loss due to link failures or disturbances, and existing redundancy methods like PRP are limited to IP subnetworks and require reconfiguration, leading to delays and potential data loss.
Innovation Solution
Establishing independent parallel network paths over Layer 3 networks using a source node connected to multiple independent router nodes, allowing data to be sent via different paths without common network links, ensuring no single point of failure and high reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PRP (Parallel Redundancy Protocol) is used to provide redundancy, then data loss is prevented within IP subnetwork, but the system is limited to work only within IP subnetwork and cannot protect against disturbances in remote networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the network communication into multiple independent Layer 3 network paths, each operating separately. By segmenting the redundant communication paths at the network layer rather than relying on a single Layer 2 protocol, the system achieves both reliable data delivery and broader network scope coverage, including remote networks beyond the immediate IP subnetwork.
2Reliability
If ring topology with media redundancy protocol is used, then redundancy is provided, but reconfiguration after failure takes time and lost data must be retransmitted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-establishes multiple independent network paths before any failure occurs. When a failure is detected, traffic is immediately switched to an alternative pre-configured path without requiring reconfiguration or retransmission, thereby eliminating reconfiguration time and preventing data loss.
3Reliability
If ring topology is used for redundancy, then protection against link failure is provided, but the ring is logically a single Ethernet network with little protection against disturbances such as intermittent link errors or broadcast storms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple independent Layer 3 paths that are logically separated. This segmentation isolates disturbances such as broadcast storms and intermittent link errors to individual paths, preventing them from affecting the entire network and allowing other paths to continue operating normally.
4Reliability
If parallel Ethernet structure with PRP is used, then high reliability is provided within IP subnetwork, but the solution is limited to Layer 2 and cannot extend protection to remote networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal Layer 3 routing solution that can handle both local and remote network communications through a single architectural framework. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate Layer 2 PRP configurations and provides consistent reliability protection across the entire network scope, reducing overall architectural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method in a source node establishing independent network paths including a first and second router nodes connected to the source node over a first and second mutually independent networks. The source node includes a first interface towards the first network, associated with a path identifier for a first network path; a second interface towards a second network associated with a path identifier for a second network path, and is configured to select which of the first and second router nodes should be used for sending data from the source node to the destination node via the first and second network paths, wherein the source node is configured to select different router nodes for the first and second network paths.