Store and Forward Buffer for Intermittent Network Data Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data acquisition and control systems face challenges in providing continuous streaming data over slow or intermittent network links without data loss, leading to undesirable store and forward mode activations that can cause network overload and delays.
Innovation Solution
A networked node with a data acquisition service that incorporates a store and forward functionality, including an immediate transmission cache and a store and forward storage, which directs incoming data to either cache or storage based on conditions and limits the forwarding rate from the store and forward storage to prevent network saturation and ensure timely data delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If data is transmitted at high rate over network link, then data delivery speed is improved, but network link may become saturated causing data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting link quality metrics before data transmission begins. The store and forward buffer is pre-configured with threshold levels, and the system proactively adjusts transmission rates based on predicted link conditions rather than reacting after saturation occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring link quality metrics (bandwidth, latency, packet loss) during data transmission. Based on this feedback, the transmission rate is dynamically adjusted to maintain optimal performance without saturating the link, thereby preventing data loss while maximizing delivery speed.
2Reliability
If store and forward mode is activated to prevent data loss, then data reliability is improved, but network latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial store and forward action by using the buffer selectively rather than always. The buffer is activated only when link conditions deteriorate or thresholds are exceeded, while normal transmission proceeds directly without buffering delay. This partial application prevents unnecessary latency while maintaining reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between direct transmission mode and store and forward mode based on real-time link quality assessment. The buffer's role changes from active storage to passive holding depending on network conditions, allowing the system to optimize between speed and reliability dynamically rather than operating in a fixed mode.
3Reliability
If data is buffered in store and forward mode, then data loss is prevented, but network bandwidth is consumed by retransmission overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary link quality assessment and proactive rate adjustment before data saturation occurs. By predicting link capacity issues in advance, the system prevents the need for extensive retransmissions, thereby reducing bandwidth consumption while maintaining data loss prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
Continuous monitoring of link quality and transmission performance provides feedback that enables dynamic optimization. The system adjusts transmission parameters based on this feedback to minimize retransmission overhead while maintaining reliable delivery, thereby reducing unnecessary bandwidth consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A data acquisition service on a network node is disclosed for forwarding received process data to a process history database over a potentially slow and/or intermittent network connection. A store and forward functionality within the networked node receives incoming process data via a first network interface and forwards outgoing process data via a second network interface. The disclosed store and forward functionality includes an immediate transmission cache and a store and forward storage. The store control enters, in response to detecting an entry condition, an activated mode wherein incoming process data is directed to the store and forward storage. A read control forwards outgoing process data to the second network interface from the immediate transmission cache and store and forward storage. The read control includes at least a first configurable parameter that constrains a rate at which data retrieved from the store and forward storage is forwarded via the second network interface.