Switching Device for End System Network Topology Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing end system devices for communication networks, such as AFDX and industrial automation, face challenges in efficiently managing redundancy and topology flexibility, particularly in ensuring data reliability and compatibility across different network configurations like star and annular topologies.
Innovation Solution
An end system device with a switching device that can operate in two modes: in the first mode, data is relayed from ports to a local interface and then duplicated to both ports for redundancy, while in the second mode, data is relayed between ports and the local interface, allowing for data routing between end systems, enabling operation in both star and annular topologies with a single implementation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single end system device is used for both star and annular topologies, then device versatility is improved, but the complexity of managing different modes and configurations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching device is designed to dynamically change its operational mode between first mode (for annular topology) and second mode (for star topology) based on network configuration requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows a single device to handle multiple topology types without requiring separate dedicated devices for each topology, thereby improving versatility while managing complexity through automated mode switching
2Ease of manufacture
If data is relayed between ports and local interface in a single device, then system cost is reduced, but the reliability of data transmission must be maintained across different topologies
Solution Approach 1:
The switching device is designed with multi-functionality to operate in two distinct modes: first mode for annular topology where data is relayed between ports, and second mode for star topology where data is relayed between ports and local interface. This universal design allows a single device to replace multiple specialized devices, reducing system cost while maintaining data transmission reliability through appropriate mode selection based on network topology
Solution Approach 2:
The switching device changes its operational parameters by switching between different modes depending on the network topology. In first mode, the device configures itself for annular topology with specific data relay paths, and in second mode, it reconfigures for star topology with different relay paths. This parameter change capability ensures reliable data transmission adapted to each topology while using a single versatile device
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an end system device for a network system with a first port for connection with the network system, a second port for connection with the network system, a local interface and a switching device. The switching device is designed to switch into a first or a second mode. In the first mode, the switching device is set up to relay data received at the first and second port to the local interface, and relay data received at the local interface to the first port and the second port. In the second mode, the switching device is set up to relay data received at the first port to the second port or to the local interface, relay data received at the second port to the first port or to the local interface, and relay data received at the local interface to the first port and the second port.