TSN Link Self-Healing via Non-TSN Failover Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing TSN networks face challenges in autonomously detecting and handling communication failures between end-points, leading to inefficient real-time communication and requiring human intervention for troubleshooting.
Innovation Solution
A control node and associated methods enable self-healing mechanisms in TSN networks by using non-TSN communication ports for end-points to autonomously detect failures and reconfigure communication links, leveraging a control node to coordinate and resolve issues without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If TSN networks use centralized configuration entities (CNC/CUC) for allocating time slots and configuring communication backbone, then deterministic real-time communication is achieved, but the system complexity and human intervention requirements increase when failures occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling end-points to autonomously detect communication failures and initiate self-healing procedures without requiring human intervention. The control node automatically coordinates troubleshooting actions, allowing the system to diagnose and resolve issues independently, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining reliable TSN communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The control node serves as an intermediary between end-points experiencing communication failures. It coordinates the self-healing process by receiving failure indications from end-points, analyzing the communication link status, and directing appropriate troubleshooting actions, thus simplifying the overall system architecture while ensuring deterministic communication reliability.
2Measurement precision
If manual detection and troubleshooting of communication failures is performed, then accurate failure analysis is achieved, but productivity and response time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where end-points continuously monitor communication link status and provide real-time failure indications to the control node. This automated feedback loop enables precise failure detection and immediate initiation of self-healing procedures, significantly improving response time while maintaining accurate failure analysis through systematic diagnostic processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring self-healing capabilities and troubleshooting workflows before failures occur. When communication failures are detected, pre-defined diagnostic and resolution procedures are automatically executed, enabling rapid response while ensuring accurate failure analysis through structured diagnostic sequences.
3Reliability
If TSN networks require human intervention for troubleshooting communication failures, then complex diagnostic procedures can be performed, but the ease of operation and automation level decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by implementing automated self-healing mechanisms where end-points and control nodes work together to detect, diagnose, and resolve communication failures without human intervention. The system autonomously performs diagnostic procedures and executes recovery actions, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable failure handling through systematic automated processes.
4Reliability
If frequent communication failures occur in multiple devices, then network issues become apparent, but system operation and productivity are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements comprehensive feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor communication link status across multiple devices. When frequent failures are detected, the system automatically aggregates failure data, identifies patterns, and initiates coordinated self-healing procedures, ensuring reliable network issue detection while minimizing impact on automation system operation through rapid automated response.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided mechanisms for handling failure of a TSN communication link (140) in a TSN network (110). A method is performed by a control node (200). The method comprises estimating (S102) requirements for TSN communication for end- points (120a-120N) based on application parameters, input/output requirements, and application requirements, wherein each end-point (120a-120N) is capable of communicating over a TSN channel and a non-TSN channel in the TSN network (110) using one and the same network interface. The method comprises obtaining (S104) an indication of a failure of a TSN communication link (140) in the TSN network (110) between two of the end-points (120a-120N). The method comprises performing (S106) self-healing of the TSN communication link (140).