Unified Data Link Layer for Ethernet and Time-Sensitive Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks struggle to efficiently transport both Ethernet data and time-sensitive data using a common data link layer, leading to inefficiencies and compatibility issues across different physical infrastructures and standards.
Innovation Solution
A method and network architecture that supports both Ethernet and time-sensitive network protocols through a common data link layer, enabling end devices to discover other devices using Ethernet and send time-sensitive data over a unified network protocol, with T-Adaptors converting protocols and managing sessions to optimize data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a common data link layer is used to transport both Ethernet data and time-sensitive data, then network integration and scalability are improved, but protocol compatibility and data transmission efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data link layer into two distinct virtual channels: a first virtual channel for Ethernet data transmission and a second virtual channel for time-sensitive data transmission. This segmentation allows each channel to operate with its own protocol requirements while sharing the same physical infrastructure, thereby maintaining protocol compatibility while achieving network integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces T-Adaptors as intermediary devices that facilitate protocol conversion and session management between Ethernet devices and time-sensitive network devices. These T-Adaptors act as mediators that enable seamless communication across different protocol domains while maintaining the integrity of each protocol's requirements.
2Ease of operation
If Ethernet protocol is used for device discovery, then ease of operation is improved, but time-sensitive data transmission efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates device discovery operations from time-sensitive data transmission by assigning device discovery to the first virtual channel (Ethernet protocol) and time-sensitive data to the second virtual channel. This segmentation allows Ethernet's robust discovery mechanisms to operate without interfering with the time-critical data transmission paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs device discovery and network setup operations using Ethernet protocol in advance, before time-sensitive data transmission begins. This preliminary action ensures that all devices are properly discovered and configured before critical time-sensitive operations commence, eliminating discovery overhead during active data transmission.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a unified network architecture is implemented, then network scalability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces T-Adaptors as intermediary devices that handle the complexity of dual-protocol support. These T-Adaptors encapsulate the protocol conversion logic, session management, and virtual channel coordination, thereby shielding end devices from complexity while enabling unified network architecture and scalability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal data link layer framework that can handle both Ethernet and time-sensitive protocols through virtual channels. This multi-functional approach allows the same physical infrastructure and data link layer to serve multiple protocol requirements, improving scalability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and network for connecting a first end device to a network. One method includes the following steps: supporting, by a common data link layer, both Ethernet protocol and time sensitive network protocol; utilizing the Ethernet protocol for discovering, by the first end device, at least one other end device that is connected to the network; and utilizing the time sensitive network protocol for sending time sensitive data by the first end device to the at least one other end device over the network.