TSN Bridge Packet Loss Counting for Network Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In time-sensitive networking (TSN) systems, there is a challenge in determining and addressing packet losses that go unnoticed at data sinks, which can impact the reliability and determinism of data exchange, especially in industrial and vehicle communication networks where low-latency and reliable data streams are critical.
Innovation Solution
A TSN-enabled network coupling element, such as a TSN bridge, is designed to locally count non-critical packet losses by duplicating data packets and forwarding only the first successful copy, while rejecting subsequent duplicates, and communicates the number of expected, non-received packets to a control instance to assess communication quality and identify error-prone areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant data paths are used to increase data exchange reliability, then the probability of successful data exchange is improved, but the complexity of detecting and measuring packet losses worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary counting mechanism at the TSN bridge that tracks expected versus received packets. This intermediary component monitors packet flow on redundant paths and generates loss information without requiring changes to the data sinks or sources, thus resolving the detection difficulty while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the TSN bridge counts expected packets, compares them with received packets, and generates loss information that is fed back to control instances. This feedback mechanism enables continuous monitoring and detection of packet losses on redundant paths, solving the measurement difficulty.
2Reliability
If multiple redundant data packets are transmitted over redundant paths, then the reliability of data delivery is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having the TSN bridge perform only the essential counting function for packet monitoring, rather than full packet inspection or analysis. The bridge counts expected packets and compares with received packets, which is a simplified partial action that maintains reliability while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent discards redundant packet content processing at the bridge, keeping only the essential counting function. By discarding the need to analyze packet content and only maintaining count information, the device complexity is reduced while the reliability benefit of redundant paths is preserved.
3Productivity
If the first received copy of a data packet is forwarded and subsequent copies are rejected, then the productivity is improved, but the loss of information worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary counting of expected packets before the forwarding decision is made. By pre-calculating how many packets should have been received based on redundancy configuration, the system can efficiently forward the first copy while tracking losses, thus improving productivity without losing critical loss information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the count information and loss information separately from the data packets themselves. This copying approach allows the system to forward only one packet copy while preserving complete loss tracking information, resolving the contradiction between productivity and information retention.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a TSN-enabled network coupling element, in particular, a TSN bridge, which is designed to receive redundant data packets. The method includes ascertaining at least one number of expected, non-received data packets via the TSN-enabled network coupling element, and transmitting the ascertained number of expected, non-received data packets from the TSN-enabled network coupling element to a control instance.