Network Switch VLAN Configuration for Sensor Addressing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sensor networks face challenges in efficiently configuring endpoint sensor devices with the same default network address, leading to potential configuration errors and increased time in setting up individual addresses, especially when multiple devices need to be configured simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of virtual local area networks (VLANs) associated with specific ports on a network switch allows for the configuration of endpoint sensor devices with unique network addresses, enabling simultaneous configuration and reducing the likelihood of errors by preventing premature communication using the default address.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple endpoint sensor devices are configured with the same default network address, then device initialization is simplified, but configuration errors increase and individual address assignment becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network communication into two distinct channels: a configuration channel using the default network address for initial device identification, and a data channel using unique identifiers for actual sensor communication. This segmentation allows simultaneous configuration of multiple devices with default addresses while enabling individual address assignment through the configuration channel without time-consuming sequential configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a configuration message as an intermediary that carries the unique identifier from the controller to the endpoint sensor device through the default network address channel. This intermediary enables the transfer of individual addressing information without requiring sequential configuration or changing the default address setup, thus resolving the time loss in address assignment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple endpoint sensor devices use the same default network address, then device deployment is simplified, but configuration errors and premature communication increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides network communication into separate configuration and data channels. The configuration channel handles device identification and unique identifier assignment using the default network address, while the data channel handles actual sensor communications using unique identifiers. This segmentation prevents premature data communication by ensuring devices are properly identified and configured first, thus improving configuration accuracy without restricting deployment flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration actions by requiring the controller to send configuration messages through the configuration channel before enabling data communication. This preliminary action ensures that unique identifiers are assigned and devices are properly identified before they engage in data communication, preventing configuration errors while maintaining the simplicity of default address deployment.
3Manufacturing precision
If sequential configuration of individual network addresses is performed, then unique addressing is achieved, but configuration time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the addressing function into two parts: the default network address serves as a group identifier for multiple devices, while a separate unique identifier (stored in non-volatile memory) serves as the individual device identifier. This segmentation eliminates the need for sequential configuration of complete addresses, as the unique identifier is automatically assigned and stored during manufacturing, allowing parallel configuration of multiple devices while maintaining address uniqueness.
Solution Approach 2:
The endpoint sensor device is designed to self-configure by storing its unique identifier in non-volatile memory during manufacturing. This self-service capability eliminates the need for time-consuming sequential configuration of individual addresses, as the device automatically provides its unique identifier when contacted through the configuration channel, thus maintaining manufacturing precision while dramatically improving configuration productivity.
4Productivity
If VLANs are implemented for each endpoint sensor device, then simultaneous configuration is enabled, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the configuration channel universal by allowing it to serve multiple endpoint sensor devices simultaneously through the default network address. Instead of creating separate VLANs for each device, the configuration channel is designed to handle multiple devices in parallel using their default addresses, while the unique identifier differentiation maintains individual device identification. This multi-functionality approach enables simultaneous configuration without the network complexity of multiple VLANs.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a network comprising a network switch comprising a pre-configured routing table and a first physical port coupled to an endpoint sensor device initiated with an initial network address. One or more processors are coupled to a third physical port of the network switch and are configured to: transmit configuration data for the endpoint sensor device to the third physical port via a first virtual area network. The first virtual area network is associated by the pre-configured routing table with the first physical port and a second virtual area network is associated with a second physical port of the network switch. A command to the endpoint sensor to use a different network address is transmitted by the network switch via the first physical port based at least in part on receiving the configuration data.