Star Coupler Network Availability During Synchronization Loss
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In real-time computing systems, the absence of a global time base synchronization hinders the transmission of critical messages originally assigned to the synchronized communication paradigm, leading to communication degradation and increased complexity in maintaining guaranteed message transfer times.
Innovation Solution
Configuring star couplers and computing nodes to switch critical messages from the synchronized to the unsynchronized communication paradigm when synchronization is lost, allowing for continued transmission of critical messages with defined time guarantees using rate-constrained communication methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the synchronized communication paradigm is used for critical messages, then guaranteed message transfer times are achieved, but communication fails when global time base synchronization is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches communication paradigms based on synchronization status. When global time base synchronization is available, the synchronized communication paradigm is used for guaranteed message transfer times. When synchronization is lost, the system transitions to the unsynchronized communication paradigm to maintain communication availability, thus adapting to changing conditions while preserving both reliability and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The communication paradigm parameters are changed based on synchronization state. The system monitors the availability of the global time base and adjusts the communication mode accordingly, changing from a rigid synchronized paradigm to a flexible unsynchronized paradigm when needed, allowing the system to maintain operational capability under varying conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If the unsynchronized communication paradigm is used, then communication continues during synchronization loss, but guaranteed message transfer times cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic paradigm selection where the communication mode is not fixed but adapts to the synchronization status. Critical messages utilize the synchronized paradigm when available for time guarantees, while non-critical or fallback messages use the unsynchronized paradigm for continued availability, optimizing both reliability and adaptability simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
Different communication quality levels are applied to different message types or transmission scenarios. The synchronized paradigm with strict time guarantees is applied locally to critical messages when synchronization is available, while the unsynchronized paradigm is applied to other messages or as a fallback mechanism, allowing each message to receive the appropriate quality of service based on its requirements and current system state
3Adaptability or versatility
If dual communication paradigm support is implemented, then communication availability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is designed with multi-functionality to support both synchronized and unsynchronized paradigms within a single infrastructure. The star coupler and computing nodes are configured to handle both communication modes, eliminating the need for separate redundant systems and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high communication availability
Solution Approach 2:
The star coupler acts as an intermediary that manages the transition between communication paradigms. It monitors synchronization status and coordinates the switch between synchronized and unsynchronized modes across the network, simplifying the complexity by centralizing the decision-making logic at the star coupler rather than requiring complex distributed coordination among all nodes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for transmitting real-time messages in a computer network (100), in particular real-time computer network, wherein said computer network comprises two or more computing nodes (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) and one or more star couplers (1, 2, 3, 4), wherein said computing nodes (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) are interconnected via at least one star coupler (1, 2, 3, 4), wherein each computing node (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26) is connected to at least one star coupler (1, 2, 3, 4) via at least one of the communication links (50), and wherein the computing nodes exchange messages (M1, M2) with one another and with the at least one star coupler, and wherein star couplers, which are synchronized to a global time base (C), transmit a first non-empty set (SSET) of real-time messages according to a synchronized communication paradigm, and/or wherein computing nodes (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26), which are synchronized to a or the global time base (C), transmit said first non-empty set of real-time (SSET) messages according to a or the synchronized communication paradigm, wherein a star coupler (1, 2, 3, 4), which is not synchronized to a global time base (C), and/or a computing node (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26), which is not synchronized to a global time base (C), transmits a second non-empty subset (CSET) of said first non-empty subset (SSET) of real-time messages according to an unsynchronized communication paradigm and stops the transmission of said second non-empty subset (CSET) of real-time messages according to the synchronized communication paradigm.