Virtual Machine Commissioning With Isolated Network Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for integrating automated production machines into computer networks are complex and prone to errors, particularly when adding new machines to existing networks, as they require manual IP address adjustments and lack automation for virtual intelligent units, complicating remote access and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An operating method for a computer network that uses a monitoring component to detect new production machines, automatically setting up a virtual operator interface and virtual router, allowing isolated operation before full integration, thereby simplifying the integration process and reducing manual configuration needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual IP address adjustment is used for integrating new production machines, then integration can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration through automated IP address assignment and virtual interface setup. When a new production machine connects, the monitoring component detects it and triggers automatic commissioning services that assign IP addresses from available pools, configure virtual operator interfaces, and establish network connectivity without manual intervention, thereby eliminating human error while simplifying the integration process
Solution Approach 2:
IP address pools are pre-configured and reserved for different network segments before new machines are introduced. The system maintains available IP addresses in readiness, so when a new production machine connects, addresses are immediately assigned without requiring real-time manual configuration, enabling rapid and error-free integration
2Ease of operation
If virtual operator interfaces are relocated outside production machines, then remote access is enabled, but commissioning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Virtual operator interfaces automatically self-configure when new production machines are detected. The commissioning service creates virtual interface instances, assigns them appropriate IP addresses from available pools, and establishes network connectivity automatically, eliminating the need for manual configuration of each virtual interface and significantly reducing commissioning complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A single commissioning service architecture handles multiple production machines simultaneously through standardized automated procedures. The same monitoring and commissioning components serve both machines with local interfaces and machines with relocated virtual interfaces, providing a universal solution that manages remote access complexity through consistent automated processes
3Adaptability or versatility
If production machines are operated in isolation with identical internal data structures, then standardization is achieved, but network integration becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
IP address pools are pre-segmented and reserved for different network locations and machine types. When standardized production machines are introduced to the network, the system automatically assigns appropriate addresses from the pre-configured pools, maintaining internal data structure identity while ensuring proper network integration without manual address planning
Solution Approach 2:
The network address space is segmented into multiple pools, with each pool designated for specific network segments or machine types. This segmentation allows standardized machines to be integrated into different network locations by assigning them addresses from appropriate pools, maintaining their identical internal structures while enabling organized network integration through structured address allocation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A computer network (1) has connections (2) to which some production machines (= PM) (4) are connected, which are each connected via the computer network (1) to at least one associated virtual operator interface (= vHMI) (6) and one communicate higher-level device (7) outside the PM (4). A monitoring component (11) monitors predetermined connections (2) for the connection of a further PM (4). If the connection of the additional PM (4) is detected, a commissioning service (14) is automatically activated, which automatically assigns a vHMI (6) to at least the additional PM (4), within the computer network (1) a separate virtual computer network ( 16) and connects the additional PM (4) to the vHMI (6) assigned to it via the newly set up virtual computer network (16). As a result, the further PM (4) communicates with the assigned vHMI (6) in isolation from other communications. Isolated communications are maintained until an enable command (F) is given. An integration service (19) is then activated, which automatically sets up at least one new virtual router (20), connects this virtual router (20) to the further PM (4) via the virtual computer network (16), and connects the newly set up virtual router ( 20) configured so that the additional PM (4) communicates with the higher-level device (7) via the newly set up virtual router (20).