Inter-VLAN Communication Bridge for Train Network Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication systems using VLANs restrict communication to devices with the same VLAN setting, preventing intercommunication among devices with different VLAN settings, even when connected.
Innovation Solution
A network system where communication apparatuses can set VLAN numbers for connection ports and use specific packets, such as multicast or unicast addresses, to enable communication across different VLAN settings by treating them as the same network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If VLAN settings are applied to divide networks, then network security and organization are improved, but communication between devices with different VLAN settings becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bridge apparatus as an intermediary device between different VLAN networks. This bridge receives packets from one VLAN, processes them according to bridge control information, and forwards them to other VLANs, thereby enabling communication between devices with different VLAN settings while maintaining the security benefits of VLAN segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of VLAN settings dynamically. When a packet arrives at a bridge, the system temporarily suspends the normal VLAN isolation rule for that specific packet, allowing it to traverse between different VLANs. This parameter change enables selective inter-VLAN communication while maintaining the overall VLAN security structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If communication is restricted to same VLAN only, then network organization is maintained, but system versatility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the network organization dynamic rather than static. While VLANs maintain their organizational structure for most traffic, the system can dynamically allow communication between different VLANs when specific conditions are met (such as when bridge control information permits). This dynamic approach maintains network organization while enabling versatility.
3Weight of moving object
If VLAN numbers are set for each communication apparatus, then network segmentation is achieved, but communication capability among segmented networks is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge apparatus serves as a mediator that connects segmented VLAN networks. It receives packets from devices in one VLAN, processes them according to stored bridge control information, and forwards them to devices in other VLANs, thereby maintaining network segmentation while restoring communication capability between segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing bridge control information that specifies which VLANs can communicate with each other. This pre-configured information allows the bridge to make intelligent decisions about packet forwarding, enabling communication between segmented networks without requiring complex real-time decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
A network system that comprises a plurality of communication apparatuses, each of the communication apparatuses being capable of performing a VLAN setting by using a VLAN number set for a connection port, that sets a VLAN number for each of the communication apparatuses, and that performs communication among cars of a train, wherein in a case where a specific type of packet that disables a VLAN setting is a packet of a multicast address, when a distribution target apparatus is connected to a communication apparatus that has received the specific type of packet, the communication apparatus transfers the specific type of packet to the distribution target apparatus and, irrespective of a VLAN number set for another communication apparatus, regards a VLAN different from a VLAN of the communication apparatus as a same network and transfers the specific type of packet to the another communication apparatus.