WO2008083421A2

WO2008083421A2 - Method for configuring a device with networking capability and device with networking capability of this type

Info

Publication number: WO2008083421A2
Application number: PCT/AT2008/000008
Authority: WO
Inventors: Markus BRANDSTÖTTER; Stefan MARTETSCHLÄGER; Thomas SAFFRATMÜLLER
Original assignee: Fronius International Gmbh
Priority date: 2007-01-12
Filing date: 2008-01-11
Publication date: 2008-07-17
Also published as: WO2008083421A3; AT504962B1; DE212008000008U1; AT504962A1; WO2008083421A8

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for configuring a device (1) with networking capability that is connected to a network (2), said device having several network addresses (IPfix, IPi) for a connection (4), by means of which addresses the device (1) can respond in the network (2). The invention also relates to a device (1) with a networking capability of this type and a photovoltaic system. To permit the configuration of a device (1) with networking capability, even if the network address is unknown, a fixed predefined network address (IPfix) and at least one modifiable network address (IPi) are stored in at least one memory (5, 6) and to operate the device (1) the network address (IPfix, IPi) is switched over at the hardware level using an activation device (7). According to the invention, when the fixed defined network address (IPfix) is activated, the configuration of the device (1) and the modifiable network address or addresses (IPi) is or are retained.

Description

A method of configuring a network-enabled device and such a network-enabled device

The invention relates to a method for configuring a network-connected device connected to a network, which has a plurality of network addresses for a connection, via which the device can be addressed in the network.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a network-capable device with a connection for connection to a network, with a memory for storing a plurality of network addresses, via which the device can be addressed in the network.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a photovoltaic system with at least one inverter and a solar module and optionally additional components, such as a data logger for recording and storing measured values, wherein at least one component of the photovoltaic system has a connection for connection to a network and a Memory for storing at least one network address, via which the component can be addressed in the network has.

The present invention is particularly directed to so-called IP (Internet Protocol) networks. These include small local area networks, so - called Local Area Networks (LANs), larger - scale networks, so - called WANs (Wide Area Networks) or even the worldwide network, the Internet. In order to address devices that are connected to such networks, they have corresponding network addresses, which are formed in the case of TCP / IP networks by the so-called IP (Internet Protocol) addresses. An IP address is formed by a 32-bit number, which is divided into 4 parts.

When purchasing a network-enabled device usually a predetermined network address is included, via which the device can be addressed, for example, using a computer and configured accordingly. In order to be able to address the network-capable device after configuration in a local network, an IP address corresponding to the network can be stored in the network-capable device so that it can be used on the network-capable device This selected network address can be addressed. The default network address is overwritten.

The term network-capable devices covers all devices with a network connection, such as a network connection. Calculator, printer, cameras, memory or much more.

In larger networks with a larger number of connected user terminals, there is often the problem that individual network-enabled devices that are connected to this network can not be accessed because the selected network address is not or no longer known. To solve the problem, the network address of the network-capable device is reset to the factory default network address, for example by a reset. Thereafter, the device must be reconfigured, whereby it is not ensured that the new selected network address matches the originally selected one. However, if a new network address is selected which is not known to other users on the network, it must be communicated to all other users in the network so that it can be addressed again in the network.

For network-enabled devices, with a display and keyboard, it is relatively easy to view or change the selected network address. The disadvantage here is that both the display and the keyboard are more expensive and expensive to program and are not available in most network-enabled devices.

A remedy can theoretically be provided by equipping the network-capable device with two network connections and the associated hardware, wherein the network-capable device can be addressed via the fixedly specified network address and a selected network address. If the selected network address has been forgotten, the device can be connected, for example, to a laptop via the second network connection and addressed via the factory-set network address. Thereafter, a reconfiguration or readout of the selected network address can take place. The second network connection and the necessary However, hardware is an increased cost and is often not feasible for very small network-enabled devices, for reasons of space.

With the help of so-called "IP aliasing" it is possible to assign several IP addresses to a network-capable device, sometimes you need several IP addresses on a network-compatible device, for example, to run several different services on the network-capable device can be done through the software assignment of multiple IP addresses.

Finally, a network-capable device may also include a so-called DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server, which allows integration of the network-enabled device into a network. Such a DHCP server assigns a network address to all connected network-capable devices in the network. For example, this variant is used in a router. With a computer in the network can then be easily read the network address of the network-capable device. This variant may not be used if network-capable devices with a DHCP server are already present in the network, since IP addresses are then assigned by a variety of devices, which in turn can lead to problems if certain devices from the DHCP server have a predefined IP address get assigned. In addition, the effort for the realization of a DHCP server, administration, maintenance, etc. is not insignificant.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an above-mentioned method of configuring a network-connected device connected to a network, which allows in a simple manner to provide the network-capable device with a new selected network address or the unknown or no longer known selected network address get to know.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a network-capable device, to which a selected network address is assigned in a simple and cost-saving manner. can be net or an assigned network address can be found out.

Finally, another object of the present invention is to provide an above-mentioned photovoltaic system with components connected to a network, which can be provided with a new selected network address or its set network address can be easily learned.

Disadvantages of known methods or devices should be avoided or at least reduced.

The first object is achieved by a method mentioned above, wherein a fixed predetermined network address and at least one changeable network address is stored in at least one memory and is switched to the hardware to operate the device to a network address, wherein upon activation of the fixed network address defined the configuration of Device, as well as the at least one changeable network address is maintained. This procedure allows a network-enabled device, even if its selected network address is not known, to be activated to the default network address without deleting the selected network address. If the network-capable device is switched over to the factory-set address, which is printed, for example, on the device or a corresponding documentation, a configuration of the network-capable device and thus also the readout of the previously selected network address, which was forgotten, can preferably take place by means of a browser. After the corresponding network address is known again, it can be switched back to this and the device can then be addressed via the now known network address. There may be problems only during the switching of the network-capable device, in that other users in the network, for this time, have no access to the network-capable device. However, after switching again, the networked device is available again to all users, under the original selected network address. This will allow longer breaks or network-wide conversion. network addresses of network-enabled devices. In contrast to known methods in which all settings of the network-capable device are lost in the event of a reset, they are retained in the present method. The inventive method is characterized by particular simplicity.

Advantageously, a setting of a changeable network address is performed or a changeable network address is read when activated fixed predetermined network address. In this way, for example, a lost changeable network address can be brought back to experience by the network-enabled device switched to the fixed predetermined network address and in this setting, the at least one changeable network address is read from the memory.

According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that for the operation of the device to the fixed network address or a changeable network address is switched in hardware and when changing a changeable network address all the changeable network addresses are activated simultaneously.

It is also possible for the operation of the device to the fixed network address or a changeable network address is switched by hardware and only a changeable network address is activated when switching to the changeable network address.

Activation of the default network address on the network-enabled device may be displayed to show the user which network address is associated with the device.

The object of the invention is also achieved by an above-mentioned network-capable device in which a fixed predetermined network address and at least one changeable network address is stored in at least one memory, the device is always accessible and configurable via only one of the two network addresses and that a hardware device is provided to activate one of the two network addresses. The network-capable device thus requires only one tivierungseinrichtung, which defines, over which network address the network-capable device can be addressed. Should a user of the network have forgotten the selected network address, it is only necessary to actuate the activation device and thus to switch the network-capable device to the factory default network address, which is printed on the device, a computer or the like. connect and read out the selected network address or to load a new selected network address. Such a networking device is particularly inexpensive but also space-saving to produce. In addition, it is robust because of lack of sophisticated electronics and requires essentially no maintenance.

According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that the activation device is designed such that upon activation of the network address specified in the device, all further network addresses are blocked.

According to a further feature of the invention it is provided that the activation device is formed by a switch, which triggers the activation of the respective network address by switching. In the simplest case, the activation device can thus be formed by a switch or jumper or the like, which assigns the respectively assigned network address to the network-capable device.

Advantageously, the activation device is connected to a control device.

The control device is formed for example by a microprocessor or microcontroller.

According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that in that position of the activation device in which the device can be addressed via the predetermined network address, the network connection is designed for direct connection to a computer. In this configuration, the network-capable device can be connected to a computer via a so-called crossover cable directly and not via the network, and then be addressed by the computer and configured accordingly. After the desired network address has been set, the activation device can be switched back and the network-enabled device can be reconnected to the network, so that this can be addressed as usual by other devices or users. If the network parameters have been forgotten, it is possible to switch back and establish a direct connection between the network-capable device and a computer, in particular a notebook, and reconfigure the network.

In order to represent the user securely, which network address is assigned to the network-capable device, a display for identifying the position of the activation device can be provided.

This display is preferably formed only by a light-emitting diode or the like.

The network connection is preferably designed for connection to an IP (Internet Protocol) network.

In this case, the network connection can be formed by an Ethernet connection.

The further object of the invention is also achieved by an above-mentioned photovoltaic system, wherein a fixed predetermined network address and at least one changeable network address is stored in at least one memory, wherein the component is always accessible and configurable via only one of the two network addresses and that a hardware Device is provided for activating one of the two network addresses. In order to be able to make a diagnosis on the component of the photovoltaic system located in the network, the components connected to the network are addressed by a web portal and their measured values and any error messages are evaluated. In large networks, the network addresses of the components may be forgotten by the user. To prevent after a reconfiguration of the components these are no longer used by all users on the network can be addressed, the components have a device for activating one of the two network addresses, so that over the known preset network address, the component can be addressed again. It is not necessary to overwrite the originally selected network address, which has been forgotten, with a new network address.

The advantages of the other features of such a photovoltaic system will be apparent from the description of the advantages of the network-enabled device.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to drawings. Show in it

1 is a schematic diagram of a network with network-capable devices arranged thereon; and

2 shows a basic block diagram of a network-capable device according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram according to the network-enabled devices 1, which are connected to a network 2, for example a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. The network-enabled devices 1 can be a variety of devices, such as printers, cameras, memory or the like. act. Each device 1 is associated with a network address IP _1, so that the network-enabled devices 1 with each other or, for example, a computer 3 can communicate. If the corresponding network address IPi is entered in a browser of the computer 3, the corresponding network-capable device 1 can be addressed and its services can be used. Of course, the computer 3 also has a network address IPi which is unique in the network 2.

2 shows a basic block diagram of a network-capable device 1 according to the invention. The network-capable device 1 has at least one connection 4 for connection to the network 2. For example, this port 4 may be an Ethernet, fiber optic or wireless LAN port for connection to an IP network, such as a TCP / IP network act. A predefined network address IP is _permanently stored in a memory 5 or memory location, via which device 1 in network 2 can be addressed and configured accordingly. In order to be able to address the network-capable device 1 in local networks 2 with specific settings, it is necessary to assign a specific selected network address IPi to the network-capable device 1. For this purpose, a further memory 6 or storage location for storing these at least one selected network address IPi may be provided. After the network-capable device 1 has been configured accordingly, it is now accessible via the selected network address IP ₁ , which is stored in the memory 6. Of course, the memories 5, 6 for storing the corresponding network addresses IP _fix , IPi can also be formed by a single memory. According to the invention, an activation device 7 is now provided, by means of which it is possible to switch between the predefined network address IP _fix and the selected network address IP ₁ . In this case, the at least one selected network address IPi is blocked when switching to the fixed predetermined network address IP _flx . This means that the device 1 can only be accessed via the network address IP _f i _x . Although graphically, not shown, the network-capable device 1 can of course also comprise more than two network addresses IP ₁ and the activation device 7 can be designed in a multi-stage manner. Advantageously, the activation device 7 is formed by a switch and a control device 8 connected thereto and the network connection 4. The control device 8 can be realized for example by a microprocessor or microcontroller. The control device 8 queries the activation device 7 formed by the switch, jumper or the like at regular intervals according to the switch position and assigns the network-capable device 1, the corresponding network address, ie the predetermined network address IP _fix , which is stored in the memory 5 or the selected network address IP ₁ , which is stored in memory 6, too. Thus, the network-capable device 1, depending on the position of the activation device 7, via different network addresses, but only with the network address, which is activated according to the switch position, are addressed. The cost as well as space expense is particularly low. To illustrate which position the switching device. 7 a display 9, for example in the form of a light-emitting diode, on the network-enabled device 1 may be provided.

Claims

Claims:

Method for configuring a network-capable device (1) connected to a network (2), which network has several network addresses (IP _f i _x , IPi) for a connection (4) via which the device (1) in the network (2) can be addressed, characterized in that a fixed predetermined network address (IP _f i _x ) and at least one changeable network address (IPi) in at least one memory (5, 6) is deposited, and that for the operation of the device (1) to a Network address (IPi) is switched by hardware, wherein upon activation of the fixed network address (IP _f i _X ), the configuration of the device (1) and the at least one changeable network address (IPi) is maintained.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that when activated fixed predetermined network address (IP _f1x ) carried out an adjustment of at least one changeable network address (IP ₁ ) or at least a variable network address (IP ₁ ) is read.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that for the operation of the device (1) to the fixed network address (IP _f i _x ) or a changeable network address (IP ₁ ) is switched in hardware, and that when switching to a changeable Network address (IPi) all changeable network addresses (IPi) are activated simultaneously.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that for the operation of the device (1) to the fixed network address (IP _f i _x ) or a variable network address (IPi) is switched by hardware, and that when switching to the changeable network address (IP ₁₎ only a variable network address (IPi) is activated.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the activation of the predetermined network address (IP _f1x ) is displayed on the device (1).

6. Network-capable device (1) with a connection (4) for connecting with a network (2), with a memory (5, 6) for storing a plurality of network addresses (IPn _x , IPi), via which the device (1) in the network (2) can be addressed, characterized in that a fix predetermined network address (IPfi _X ) and at least one changeable network address (IPi) is stored in at least one memory (5,6), wherein the device (1) is always accessible and configurable via only one of the two network addresses (IP _fix , IPi), and that a hardware device (7) for activating one of the two network addresses (IP _f i _x , IPi) is provided.

7. Network-enabled device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the activation device (7) is designed such that upon activation of the device (1) predetermined fixed network address (IP _f i _X ) all other network addresses (IPi) are locked ,

8. Network-capable device (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the activation device (7) is formed by a switch or jumper, which triggers the activation of the respective network address (IPfix, IPi).

9. Networkable device (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the activation device (7) is connected to a control device (8).

10. Network-capable device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the control device (8) is formed by a microprocessor.

11. Network-capable device (1) according to one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that in that position of the activation device (7) in which the device (1) via the predetermined network address (IP _f i _x ) is addressed, the network connection (4) is designed for direct connection to a computer (3).

12. Networkable device (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that a display (9) for indicating the position of the activation device (7) is provided.

13. Networkable device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the display (9) is formed by a light emitting diode.

14. Network-capable device (1) according to one of claims 6 to 13, characterized in that the network connection (4) is designed for connection to an IP (Internet Protocol) network.

15. Network-capable device (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the network connection (4) is formed by an Ethernet connection.

16. Photovoltaic system with at least one inverter and a solar module and optionally additional components, such as a datalogger for recording and storing measured values, wherein at least one component of the photovoltaic system a connection (4) for connection to a network (2) and a memory (5, 6) for storing at least one network address (IPfix, IPi) via which the component in the network

(2) can be addressed, characterized in that a fixed predetermined network address (IPfi _x ) and at least one changeable network address (IPi) in at least one memory (5, 6) is stored, wherein the component always via only one of the two Network addresses (IP _f i _x , IPi) can be addressed and confi ^¬ gurable, and that a hardware device (7) for activating one of the two network addresses (IP _fix , IP ₁ ) is provided.

17. Photovoltaic system according to claim 16, characterized in that the activation device (7) is formed by a switch or jumper and a control device (8) connected thereto and the network connection (4).

18. Photovoltaic system according to claim 17, characterized in that the control device (8) is formed by a microprocessor.

19. Photovoltaic system according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that in that position of the activation device (7), in which connected to the network (2) Component via the predetermined network address (IPn _x ) is addressed, the network connection (4) for direct connection to a computer (3) is formed.

20. Photovoltaic system according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that a display (9) for identifying the position of the activation device (7) is provided.

21. Photovoltaic system according to claim 20, characterized in that the display (9) is formed by a light emitting diode.

22. Photovoltaic system according to one of claims 16 to 21, characterized in that the network connection (4) is designed for connection to an IP (Internet Protocol) network.

23. Photovoltaic system according to claim 22, characterized in that the network connection (4) is formed by an Ethernet connection.