TSN Node Multi-Stage FRER Stream Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) technologies are limited in supporting multiple Frame Replication and Elimination for Reliability (FRER) stages within nodes, leading to complex network topologies and potential errors and delays in stream processing.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a new functionality in nodes to set the stream_handle parameter for outgoing frames of the elimination function, enabling multi-stage FRER by assigning a consistent indication to frames and forwarding them appropriately between functions or nodes, thus supporting complex network topologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple FRER stages are supported within nodes, then reliability of stream processing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the FRER processing function into distinct stages (first FRER stage and second FRER stage) that can be independently configured and operated within a single node. Each stage handles specific replication or elimination operations, allowing complex multi-stage processing to be broken down into manageable, modular components that improve reliability without overwhelming device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The node is designed with universal FRER processing capability that can perform multiple functions (replication and elimination) at different stages within the same device. This multi-functionality allows a single node to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized nodes, improving reliability through redundant processing paths while actually reducing overall network complexity
2Reliability
If multiple nodes are used to support FRER functions, then reliability is improved, but network topology complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple FRER processing functions into a single node by implementing both first and second FRER stages within one device. This consolidation combines what would traditionally require separate nodes into one unified processing unit, maintaining reliability through multi-stage processing while simplifying network topology by reducing the number of nodes required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where one FRER stage is contained within another FRER stage in the same node. The first FRER stage processes member streams, and the second FRER stage further processes the output, creating a nested processing architecture that enables complex reliability processing within a single node boundary, avoiding the need for additional external nodes
3Ease of operation
If stream handling is simplified with consistent identifiers, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the identification parameter from complex multi-node routing information to a simple stream_handle parameter that remains consistent across FRER stages. This parameter change simplifies stream identification and handling operations while requiring precise implementation of the stream_handle assignment and matching logic within the node to ensure correct stream tracking through multiple processing stages
Data Source
AI summary
A method performed by a node, for handling one or more member streams split from a stream of frames. The node supports at least replication function and one elimination function, to process the one or more member streams. The node operates in a communications network. The node assigns an indication to a frame of one or more frames comprised in a first member stream outgoing from the at least one elimination function. The indication is the same in every frame of the one or more frames. The indication identifies the first member stream as an output member stream in the stream. The node forwards the first member stream outgoing from the at least one elimination function, identified by the indication, to another function supported by the node, or to another node.