EP0968592A2 - Method for adding a subscriber station to a network communication - Google Patents

Method for adding a subscriber station to a network communication

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Publication number
EP0968592A2
EP0968592A2 EP98925426A EP98925426A EP0968592A2 EP 0968592 A2 EP0968592 A2 EP 0968592A2 EP 98925426 A EP98925426 A EP 98925426A EP 98925426 A EP98925426 A EP 98925426A EP 0968592 A2 EP0968592 A2 EP 0968592A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
slave
network
master
slaves
router
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP98925426A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Axel Hosemann
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Siemens AG
Original Assignee
Siemens AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Siemens AG filed Critical Siemens AG
Publication of EP0968592A2 publication Critical patent/EP0968592A2/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/46—Interconnection of networks
    • H04L12/4604—LAN interconnection over a backbone network, e.g. Internet, Frame Relay
    • H04L12/462—LAN interconnection over a bridge based backbone
    • H04L12/4625—Single bridge functionality, e.g. connection of two networks over a single bridge
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J13/00—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
    • H02J13/00006—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network characterised by information or instructions transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated power network element or electrical equipment
    • H02J13/00007—Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network characterised by information or instructions transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated power network element or electrical equipment using the power network as support for the transmission
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/40—Bus networks
    • H04L12/403—Bus networks with centralised control, e.g. polling
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00—Data switching networks
    • H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
    • H04L12/46—Interconnection of networks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L41/00—Arrangements for maintenance, administration or management of data switching networks, e.g. of packet switching networks
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02B90/20—Smart grids as enabling technology in buildings sector
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y04—INFORMATION OR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES HAVING AN IMPACT ON OTHER TECHNOLOGY AREAS
    • Y04S—SYSTEMS INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO POWER NETWORK OPERATION, COMMUNICATION OR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOR IMPROVING THE ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION, TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION, MANAGEMENT OR USAGE, i.e. SMART GRIDS
    • Y04S40/00—Systems for electrical power generation, transmission, distribution or end-user application management characterised by the use of communication or information technologies, or communication or information technology specific aspects supporting them
    • Y04S40/12—Systems for electrical power generation, transmission, distribution or end-user application management characterised by the use of communication or information technologies, or communication or information technology specific aspects supporting them characterised by data transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated electrical equipment
    • Y04S40/121—Systems for electrical power generation, transmission, distribution or end-user application management characterised by the use of communication or information technologies, or communication or information technology specific aspects supporting them characterised by data transport means between the monitoring, controlling or managing units and monitored, controlled or operated electrical equipment using the power network as support for the transmission

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for network communication, in particular for communication within an electrical low-voltage network, in which a status is sent from a master to a plurality of slaves in a number of network paths (status poling). It also relates to such a communication-capable network.
  • PLC Power Line Carrier
  • a communication-capable network with such a master-slave architecture is known, for example, from EP 0 598 297 A2.
  • the master sends a logon request over the network to all newly installed devices (slaves) so that the master can communicate with these slaves after receiving the response from these newly installed slaves.
  • Such a communication-capable network enables, in particular, the reading out of electricity payers and the automatic recognition of a payer or device additionally connected to the network without additional installation effort.
  • a method for transmitting data packets in a network is known from CH 677 300 A5, in which subscriber stations that cannot be reached directly by the master are contacted via subscriber stations operating as relay stations. A special call is sent to add new participants to the network, which may be sent to the new participants via the relay stations. These then respond to the master call.
  • Another network is known from DE 36 19 906 AI, in which participants can be reached indirectly.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a method for communication within a network having a master-slave architecture and such a communication-capable network which also enables communication of such a device with the master which cannot receive the master directly.
  • This method and this network are intended to allow newly installed devices to be added to the network in a simple manner, regardless of their distance from the master and without any impetus from the master.
  • each slave that is not directly, but only indirectly accessible by the master is identified via a neighboring slave and included in the network.
  • the new slave reports in the
  • Network after he has informed himself about his network environment, in particular about the neighboring slaves, by listening. This can be described as a general call that should be heard by as many participants as possible. Information about the “best neighbors” to which priorities are assigned can also be contained in the notification call.
  • the new slave can thus be identified in the network and, if necessary, simultaneously communicates the network environment it has recognized, so that it can be addressed by the rest of the network.
  • the master can then query the slave, which can only be reached indirectly, via the neighboring slave, which is prioritized as a router slave, and receive its response.
  • This procedure is particularly suitable for adding new devices and thus additional slaves to the network.
  • a number of neighboring slaves are used as router slaves by the newly installed slave during or following a status query of the master received from it
  • the new slave is then registered by the or each prioritized router slave with the master, an address assigned to the newly installed slave being recorded in a corresponding register or in a data table.
  • the router slaves and the network routes or network routes via which the additionally installed slave can be reached in accordance with the assigned reliability priority are also included in this data table.
  • the grouping of the addresses of the slaves connected to the network is updated in the data table with regard to the network routes and those router slaves via which the respective slave can be reached.
  • At least one router slave is assigned to each slave, with the address of the master also being included in this routing table as the router address can. In this case, the corresponding slave can be reached directly from the master.
  • the stated object is achieved according to the invention by a network management software in accordance with the features of claim 8.
  • the network management Software is also advantageously used to generate network routes, in particular replacement routes, between the master and each slave.
  • ISO International Standardization Organization
  • the ISO communication protocol which is divided into seven successive levels or protocol layers, is a quasi-standardized model for the development of interfaces for the communication process within a communication network.
  • the bottom, first layer defines the way in which signals or individual bits are transmitted, from which, for example, modulation or amplification data are built.
  • the second layer defines the procedures for ensuring error-free transmission on the individual network routes or network routes of the systems (slaves) to avoid collisions.
  • the third layer ensures the correct structure of the individual sections between master (transmitter) and slave (receiver).
  • the fourth layer Transport Layer defines the function and the way in which the systems (masters, slaves) within the network or network should behave during the data transport.
  • the lower four layers represent the transport protocol and today are largely defined in the systems according to the ISO communication protocol.
  • connection layer specifies the details of the communication between the systems to be used in a connection to be carried out, i.e. between the master and the slaves and between the slaves.
  • the sixth layer contains the agreements to be made regarding the meaning of the data exchanged.
  • seventh layer Application Layer
  • Agreement Layer agreements about the permissible applications between the communicating systems are fixed.
  • Layers are also referred to as an application protocol, in which the agreements are made about the possible and permissible operations that the master initiates in the system of the slave.
  • To implement the router function therefore, advantageously only a data conversion within the three lowest layers of the ISO communication protocol is required.
  • the network management software includes a (first) software module assigned to the master and a (second) software module assigned to each slave.
  • the master's software module is used to generate at least one router slave for the or each slave.
  • This software module preferably generates at least one additional network path or replacement route via which this slave can be reached as an alternative.
  • the software module of the slave is used to identify a neighboring slave. This software module generates a priority or quality list of the “best Neighbors ", via whose software modules this list is forwarded to the master.
  • the advantages achieved by the invention are, in particular, that by appropriately breaking through the known master-slave architecture in such a way that a slave that can only be indirectly reached by the master is included in the network via an adjacent slave (router) New devices (slaves) that cannot be received directly by the master can be automatically added to a communication-capable network in a simple manner without additional installation work.
  • the new slave actively reports itself in the network without a prompt with a message signal. This takes place only after the slave has informed itself about the active network environment.
  • the method is particularly advantageously suitable for communication within an electrical low-voltage network, in which a data concentrator (master) for collecting and storing meter data from a large number of electricity meters (slaves) sends cyclical status queries to these in a number of network routes.
  • the data concentrator only allows indirectly accessible devices to be added to the network via the "best neighbors" (routers).
  • FIG. 1 schematically shows a master-slave architecture within a meshed communication-capable network
  • FIG. 2 shows the software architecture of a network management system for generating a router functionality within a network according to FIG. 1, and FIG. 3.4 data tables describing the router functionality of a master or a slave.
  • 1 shows the system architecture of a PLC subsystem (Power Line Carrier Subsystem) of a communication-capable network NW with two masters M ⁇ , 2 in the exemplary embodiment and a number of slaves S ⁇ ... n connected to them via the meshed network NW at three different distance levels El, E2, E3 relative to the locations of the Master M ⁇ / 2 .
  • it is a master-slave architecture within an energy supply network. The are on different
  • Each master M ⁇ , 2 represents a data concentrator (distribution data unit) for the devices or slaves S ⁇ ... n assigned to it.
  • Network management software explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 2 establishes connections from the respective master M ⁇ / 2 the respective slaves S ⁇ ... n . Due to the meshed network topology, the master M ⁇ (2) must communicate on different channels in order to avoid mutual interference during data transmission.
  • the establishment of the connection of each slave S ⁇ ... n z its master Mi or M 2 can either directly or under A number of slaves S ⁇ ...
  • n can be produced as so-called "routers.”
  • the meshing allows the connection of a slave S n to different masters M ⁇ , 2 , with a slave S n during operation from a master M ⁇ , 2 to other master M 2 , ⁇ can change.
  • each slave S n has a software module PLC and each master Mi, 2 has a software module PLC.
  • the software module PLC of each slave S n is connected to a connection line L n led to the corresponding device for power transmission, including the entire network functionality.
  • the bottom three layers of the ISO communication protocol are implemented in this software module PLC of each slave S n to implement the router functionality.
  • the layers of the ISO communication protocol lying above are implemented in an application module MA (Meter Applications) of the corresponding slave S n .
  • the functionality of this application module MA is independent of the functionality of the software module PLC, so that each network management function runs through these software modules PLC.
  • Each master M1, 2 has a data concentrator DC and a first communication module KM1, which only works at the master level, and a second communication module KM2 for communication that is functionally independent of the software module PLC.
  • the PLC software module is also integrated in the master functionality.
  • FIG. 1 The architecture of a network management software implemented in the software module PLC of the or each slave S n and in the software module PLC of the or each master M 2 is shown in FIG.
  • FIG 2 is shown schematically.
  • the implementation of the network management software NMS and a tabular network database or data table DT within the layers of the ISO communication protocol is shown.
  • the network management software NMS uses the third layer or network level NL (network layer) to set the course for data transport either to the next higher layers up to the application level AL (application layer) or to the next lower level, the data transport or data connection level DL (Data Link Layer) representative layer of the ISO communication protocol.
  • the data table DT also accesses the network level NL, which in turn is accessed by the network management software NMS.
  • the network level NL is transparent to the layers above.
  • the network level NL requires network information data in order to be able to transmit queries or information to the slaves S ⁇ ... n addressed as router slaves.
  • the functions of the network level NL are therefore always the same for the master M ⁇ , 2 and for each slave S n , while the network data and thus the data tables DT and the network management software NMS of the master M i / 2 or of the slave S n are different.
  • the data processing between the network level NL and the physical level PL (physical layer) link level DL (Data Link Layer) is transparent for the network management software NMS.
  • this data connection level DL in which the functionality of a collision detection and / or collision avoidance can also be realized, point-to-point connections between the slaves S ⁇ ... n are established or “broadcasts” sent without any master-slave structure.
  • the software architecture shown in FIG. 2 applies both to the software module PLC of the master MI, 2 and to the software module PLC of the slave S n .
  • Only the functionalities of the network management software NMS and the content and form of the data table DT are different for the master Mi, 2 and for the slave S n , while the respective structure is identical.
  • the network management software NMS M of the master M X / 2 or the network management software NMS S of the slave S n by appropriate indexing.
  • the software module PLC of the master M i (2) the network level NL is used for data acquisition from the higher levels TL, AL or from the network management software NMS M and for the transmission of this data to the data transport level DL.
  • the data table DT M created by the software module PLC of the master MI 2 is shown in FIG.
  • the frame of the corresponding data connection level DL M contains an address (device address) of the respective slave S n (meter), which is converted into a network address (network layer address) on the basis of the upper list in FIG. 3 (logon list).
  • the frame of the data link level DL M contains a number of fields for, for example, a first and a second router slave. These fields are assigned a route to the respective router slave R1, R2 on the basis of the list below in FIG. 3 (routing list), the router slaves best in terms of the reliable accessibility of a neighboring slave S n being be prioritized using a quality code.
  • the listed addresses consecutive from 0001h to 7FEFh, are selected as examples, the address 7FFFh identifying an unused router slave R1, R2.
  • the master Mi, 2 groups the slaves S n connected to it and listed in the "logon list" on the basis of their router slaves Rl, R2 and creates this list as a network data table DT M , which is updated cyclically.
  • each slave S n is assigned two router slaves Rl and R2 in three network routes or network routes L n (route nos. 1,2 and 3).
  • each slave S n generates a network data table DT S shown in FIG. 4 using the software module PLC.
  • the addresses of those router slaves R1, R2, R3 are entered on the one hand, via which this slave S n can be reached.
  • the slave S n first collects in the upper list in FIG. 4 (best router list) the addresses (addr. Nos. 1, 2, 3) of the slaves S n received by the latter via possible communication paths (routes) that are not have already been addressed by two router slaves R1, R2. These addresses are stored within a predeterminable time frame T z of, for example, 15 minutes before the slave S n as part of a cyclical status query to the master Mi, 2 the three first addresses of the "best neighbors" via the router slaves Rl belonging to these addresses , R2 announces.
  • the time frames T z ie the waiting times, are subject to an aging process so that more recent results are taken into account more strongly.
  • an additionally installed device in particular also a new slave to be added, via its software module PLC during a status query of the associated master Mi, 2, in which the slave itself is not yet queried because of its "unknownness" in the network, addresses of as possible Router slaves Rl to R5 collect identified slaves S n and prioritize them in terms of their respective accessibility. So he first gets information about his network environment.
  • This slave S n then reports with a spontaneous signal in the network and immediately or, if necessary, on the basis of a later call, reports the addresses of the prioritized router slaves R 1 to R 3.
  • the new slave is then registered by the router slave (s) Rl to R3 to the corresponding master Mi, 2 .
  • Its software module PLC then in turn makes a corresponding entry in its network data table DT M. 2 then causes the master M ⁇ , the highest priority slave router Rl to the additionally installed slave S n via the corresponding route (route no. 1) included in the network NW.
  • the software module PLC of each slave S n thus serves to identify both an adjacent slave S n , for example a newly installed slave S n , and at least one adjacent slave S n as future router slave R1, R2.
  • the network management software NMS - implemented in the software modules PLC, PLC - thus enables each master Mi, 2 to assign three communication paths (routes) to each slave S n in the exemplary embodiment.
  • the table DT M which in addition to these routes or network routes L n also contains the router slaves R1, R2 assigned to each slave S n , is preferably updated dynamically.
  • the network management software NMS would enable any newly installed slave S n to receive its neighboring slaves S ⁇ ... n _ ⁇ and to report via the "best neighbors" - that is to say, itself - for inclusion in the NW network.
  • slaves can be easily added to the network NW regardless of their distance from the data concentrator DC (master) without additional installation effort.
  • slaves S n of the third distance level E3 two router slaves R1, R2 are listed in the data table DT, while for those of the second distance level E2, only one router slave R1 is listed.
  • the master MI 2 is itself registered as a router slave R1.
  • An essential aspect of the new idea is that after an orientation or listening phase in the network, new slaves report themselves to the router slaves without being asked to “piggyback”, in order to then be included indirectly in the data network. They are then indirectly - quasi second or third generation - involved in the data traffic with the master, whereby the master has no direct access to such slaves. A change can result from a change in the transmission quality or the network configuration. This is checked during routine status queries and updated if necessary.

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for communication in a network (NW), specially for communication in an electrical low voltage network, wherein a state interrogation is sent by a master (M1,2) to a plurality of slaves (Sn) in several network paths (Ln). According to the invention, a slave (Sn) that cannot be directly reached by the master (M1,2), e.g. an additionally installed slave (Sn), is included in the network (NW) by means of an adjacent slave (Sn), wherein said slave (Sn) is addressed as a router slave (R1, R2) for the slave (Sn) that cannot be directly reached . For this purpose, the network management software (NMS) of the master (M1,2) is provided with a software module (PLC') for the allocation of at least one router slave (R1, R2) to each slave (Sn). Each slave (Sn) also comprises a corresponding software module (PLC) to identify an adjacent slave (Sn) as a potential router slave (R1-R5).

Description

Beschreibung description
VERFAHREN ZUMZUSATZVON EINER TEILNEHMERSTATION ANEINER NETZWERKKOMMUNIKATIONMETHOD FOR ADDITION FROM A SUBSCRIBER STATION TO A NETWORK COMMUNICATION
Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Verfahren zur Netzwerkkommunikation, insbesondere zur Kommunikation innerhalb eines elektrischen Niederspannungsnetzwerkes, bei dem von einem Master an eine Vielzahl von Slaves in einer Anzahl von Netzwegstrecken eine Statusabfrage ausgesendet wird (Status-Pol- ling) . Sie bezieht sich weiter auf ein derartiges kommunika- tionsfahiges Netzwerk.The invention relates to a method for network communication, in particular for communication within an electrical low-voltage network, in which a status is sent from a master to a plurality of slaves in a number of network paths (status poling). It also relates to such a communication-capable network.
Bei einem kommunikationsfähigen Netzwerk, bei dem die Kommunikation über stark gedämpfte Medien mit zeitvarianten Stö- rungen erfolgt, wird üblicherweise eine adaptive und selbstlernende Kommunikationssoftware eingesetzt, die auf den Mechanismen einer Kollisionserkennung und/oder Kollisionsvermeidung basiert. Derartige Mechanismen sind jedoch für die sogenannte PLC-Kommunikation (PLC = Power Line Carrier) in einem Energieversorgungsnetz ungeeignet, da zwei Endgeräte auf verschiedenen Kabeln senden können ohne sich zu hören. Daher wird für die PLC-Kommunikation oder -Übertragung im Energieversorgungsnetz der Einsatz einer Master-Slave-Archi- tektur bevorzugt.In a communication-capable network, in which communication takes place via heavily damped media with time-variant disturbances, adaptive and self-learning communication software is usually used, which is based on the mechanisms of collision detection and / or collision avoidance. Mechanisms of this type are, however, unsuitable for so-called PLC communication (PLC = Power Line Carrier) in a power supply network, since two end devices can transmit on different cables without being heard. Therefore, the use of a master-slave architecture is preferred for PLC communication or transmission in the power supply network.
Ein kommunikationsfahiges Netzwerk mit einer derartigen Ma- ster-Slave-Architektur ist z.B. aus der EP 0 598 297 A2 bekannt. Dabei sendet der Master über das Netzwerk einen Anmeldeaufruf (Logon Request) an alle im Netzwerk neu installier- ten Gerate (Slaves), so daß nach Empfang der Antwort dieser neu installierten Slaves die Kommunikation des Masters mit diesen Slaves erfolgen kann. Ein derartiges kommunikationsfahiges Netzwerk ermöglicht insbesondere das Auslesen von Elek- trizitatszahlern und das automatische Erkennen eines zusatz- lieh an das Netzwerk angeschlossenen Zahlers oder Gerätes ohne zusätzlichen Installationsaufwand. Nachteilig ist jedoch, daß lediglich vom Master direkt erreichbare Slaves (Geräte) identifiziert und in das Netzwerk aufgenommen werden können.A communication-capable network with such a master-slave architecture is known, for example, from EP 0 598 297 A2. The master sends a logon request over the network to all newly installed devices (slaves) so that the master can communicate with these slaves after receiving the response from these newly installed slaves. Such a communication-capable network enables, in particular, the reading out of electricity payers and the automatic recognition of a payer or device additionally connected to the network without additional installation effort. However, it is disadvantageous that only slaves (devices) that can be directly reached by the master can be identified and included in the network.
Aus der CH 677 300 A5 ist ein Verfahren zur Übermittlung von Datenpaketen in einem Netzwerk bekannt, bei dem nicht direkt vom Master erreichbare Teilnehmerstationen über als Relaisstation arbeitende Teilnehmerstationen kontaktiert werden. Zur Aufnahme neuer Teilnehmer in das Netzwerk wird ein Spe- zialaufruf gesendet, der ggf. über die Relaisstationen an die neuen Teilnehmer gesendet wird. Diese antworten dann auf den Masteraufruf. Aus der DE 36 19 906 AI ist ein weiteres Netzwerk bekannt, bei dem Teilnehmer indirekt erreichbar sind.A method for transmitting data packets in a network is known from CH 677 300 A5, in which subscriber stations that cannot be reached directly by the master are contacted via subscriber stations operating as relay stations. A special call is sent to add new participants to the network, which may be sent to the new participants via the relay stations. These then respond to the master call. Another network is known from DE 36 19 906 AI, in which participants can be reached indirectly.
Der Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Verfahren zur Kommunikation innerhalb eines Netzwerkes mit Master- Slave-Architektur sowie ein derartiges kommunikationsfähiges Netzwerk anzugeben, das die Kommunikation auch eines solchen Gerätes mit dem Master ermöglicht, welches den Master nicht direkt empfangen kann. Dieses Verfahren und dieses Netzwerk sollen auf einfache Weise die Aufnahme von neu installierten Geräten in das Netzwerk unabhängig von deren Entfernung zum Master und ohne Anstoß vom Master ermöglichen.The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a method for communication within a network having a master-slave architecture and such a communication-capable network which also enables communication of such a device with the master which cannot receive the master directly. This method and this network are intended to allow newly installed devices to be added to the network in a simple manner, regardless of their distance from the master and without any impetus from the master.
Bezüglich des Verfahrens wird diese Aufgabe erfindungsgemäß gelöst durch die Merkmale des Anspruchs 1. Dabei wird jeder vom Master nicht direkt, sondern nur indirekt erreichbare Slave über einen benachbarten Slave identifiziert und in das Netzwerk aufgenommen. Der neue Slave meldet sich dabei imWith regard to the method, this object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1. Each slave that is not directly, but only indirectly accessible by the master is identified via a neighboring slave and included in the network. The new slave reports in the
Netzwerk, nachdem er sich über seine Netzwerkumgebung, insbesondere über die benachbartes Slaves, durch Mithören informiert hat. Dies kann als allgemeiner Melderuf bezeichnet werden, der möglichst von vielen Teilnehmern gehört werden soll. In dem Melderuf kann auch eine Information über die „besten Nachbarn" enthalten sein, denen Prioritäten zugeordnet sind.Network, after he has informed himself about his network environment, in particular about the neighboring slaves, by listening. This can be described as a general call that should be heard by as many participants as possible. Information about the “best neighbors” to which priorities are assigned can also be contained in the notification call.
Der neue Slave gibt sich also im Netzwerk zu erkennen und teilt ggf. gleichzeitig die von ihm erkannte Netzwerkumgebung mit, so daß er für das übrige Netzwerk ansprechbar ist. Der Master kann anschließend den nur indirekt erreichbaren Slave über den, als Router-Slave priorisierten benachbarten Slave abfragen und dessen Antwort empfangen.The new slave can thus be identified in the network and, if necessary, simultaneously communicates the network environment it has recognized, so that it can be addressed by the rest of the network. The master can then query the slave, which can only be reached indirectly, via the neighboring slave, which is prioritized as a router slave, and receive its response.
Dieses Verfahren eignet sich besonders für die Aufnahme neuer Geräte und damit zusätzlicher Slaves in das Netzwerk. Dabei wird von dem neu installierten Slave während einer oder im Anschluß an eine von diesem empfangenen Statusabfrage des Ma- sters eine Anzahl benachbarter Slaves als Router-SlavesThis procedure is particularly suitable for adding new devices and thus additional slaves to the network. A number of neighboring slaves are used as router slaves by the newly installed slave during or following a status query of the master received from it
(beste Nachbarn) priorisiert. Mit dem Melderuf des zusätzlichen oder neuen Slaves werden diese Informationen dann mitgeteilt. Der neue Slave wird anschließend von dem oder jedem priorisierten Router-Slave beim Master angemeldet, wobei eine dem neu installierten Slave zugeordnete Adresse in ein entsprechendes Register oder in eine Datentabelle aufgenommen wird. In diese Datentabelle werden auch diejenigen Router- Slaves und diejenigen Netzwegstrecken oder Netzrouten aufgenommen, über die der zusätzlich installierte Slave entspre- chend der jeweils zugeordneten Zuverlässigkeitspriorität erreicht werden kann.(best neighbors) prioritized. This information is then communicated when the additional or new slave calls. The new slave is then registered by the or each prioritized router slave with the master, an address assigned to the newly installed slave being recorded in a corresponding register or in a data table. The router slaves and the network routes or network routes via which the additionally installed slave can be reached in accordance with the assigned reliability priority are also included in this data table.
Im Anschluß an jede Statusabfrage des Masters wird die Gruppierung der Adressen der an das Netzwerk angeschlossenen Sla- ves in der Datentabelle hinsichtlich der Netzrouten und derjenigen Router-Slaves aktualisiert, über die der jeweilige Slave erreichbar ist. Dabei wird jedem Slave mindestens ein Router-Slave zugeordnet, wobei auch die Adresse des Masters als Routeradresse in diese Routing-Tabelle aufgenommen werden kann. In diesem Fall ist der entsprechende Slave vom Master direkt erreichbar.After each status query of the master, the grouping of the addresses of the slaves connected to the network is updated in the data table with regard to the network routes and those router slaves via which the respective slave can be reached. At least one router slave is assigned to each slave, with the address of the master also being included in this routing table as the router address can. In this case, the corresponding slave can be reached directly from the master.
Bezüglich des kommunikationsfähigen Netzwerks mit einem Ma- ster und mit einer Vielzahl von Slaves in eine Anzahl von mit dem Master verbundenen Netzrouten oder Netzwegstrecken wird die genannte Aufgabe erfindungsgemäß gelöst durch eine Netzwerk-Management-Software gemäß den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 8. Die Netzwerk-Management-Software dient darüber hinaus vor- teilhafterweise auch zur Generierung von Netzrouten, insbesondere von Ersatzrouten, zwischen dem Master und jedem Slave.With regard to the communication-capable network with a master and with a large number of slaves in a number of network routes or network routes connected to the master, the stated object is achieved according to the invention by a network management software in accordance with the features of claim 8. The network management Software is also advantageously used to generate network routes, in particular replacement routes, between the master and each slave.
Die Architektur der Netzwerk-Management-Software basiert auf dem ISO-Kommunikationsprotokoll (ISO = International Standar- disation Organisation) , wobei die untersten drei Schichten dieses Kommunikationsprotokolls oder -modells zur Gewährleistung der Routerfunktionalität innerhalb der Netzwerk-Management-Software realisiert sind.The architecture of the network management software is based on the ISO communication protocol (ISO = International Standardization Organization), whereby the bottom three layers of this communication protocol or model are implemented to guarantee the router functionality within the network management software.
Das in sieben aufeinanderaufbauende Ebenen oder Protokollschichten gegliederte ISO-Kommunikationsprotokoll ist ein quasi normiertes Modell für die Entwicklung von Schnittstellen für den Kommunikationsprozeß innerhalb eines Kommunika- tionsnetzes. Dabei legt die unterste, erste Schicht (Physical Layer) die Art und Weise der Übertragung von Signalen oder einzelnen Bits fest, aus denen sich z.B. Modulations- oder Verstärkungsdaten aufbauen. Die zweite Schicht (Data Link Layer) legt die Verfahren zur Sicherung einer fehlerfreien Übertragung auf den einzelnen Netzrouten oder Netzwegstrecken der Systeme (Slaves) zur Vermeidung von Kollisionen fest. Die dritte Schicht (Network Layer) gewährleistet den richtigen Aufbau der einzelnen Streckenabschnitte zwischen Master (Sender) und Slave (Empfänger) . Die vierte Schicht (Transport Layer) legt die Funktion und die Art und Weise fest, wie sich die Systeme (Master, Slaves) innerhalb des Netzes oder Netzwerks wahrend des Datentransportes verhalten sollen. Die unteren vier Schichten stellen das Transportprotokoll dar und sind heute weitestgehend in den Systemen nach dem ISO-Kommu- nikationsprotokoll festgelegt.The ISO communication protocol, which is divided into seven successive levels or protocol layers, is a quasi-standardized model for the development of interfaces for the communication process within a communication network. The bottom, first layer (physical layer) defines the way in which signals or individual bits are transmitted, from which, for example, modulation or amplification data are built. The second layer (Data Link Layer) defines the procedures for ensuring error-free transmission on the individual network routes or network routes of the systems (slaves) to avoid collisions. The third layer (network layer) ensures the correct structure of the individual sections between master (transmitter) and slave (receiver). The fourth layer (Transport Layer) defines the function and the way in which the systems (masters, slaves) within the network or network should behave during the data transport. The lower four layers represent the transport protocol and today are largely defined in the systems according to the ISO communication protocol.
Die fünfte Schicht (Connection Layer) legt die bei einer durchzuführenden Verbindung zu verwendenden Einzelheiten der Kommunikation zwischen den Systemen, d.h. zwischen dem Master und den Slaves sowie zwischen den Slaves, fest. In die sechste Schicht (Presentation Layer) werden die zu treffenden Vereinbarungen über die Bedeutung ausgetauschter Daten gelegt. In der obersten, siebten Schicht (Application Layer) sind Vereinbarungen über die zulässigen Anwendungen zwischen den kommunizierenden Systemen fixiert. Diese drei oberenThe fifth layer (connection layer) specifies the details of the communication between the systems to be used in a connection to be carried out, i.e. between the master and the slaves and between the slaves. The sixth layer (presentation layer) contains the agreements to be made regarding the meaning of the data exchanged. In the top, seventh layer (Application Layer) agreements about the permissible applications between the communicating systems are fixed. These three top
Schichten werden auch als Anwendungsprotokoll bezeichnet, in dem die Vereinbarungen über diejenigen möglichen und zulässigen Operationen getroffen werden, die der Master im System des Slaves veranlaßt. Für die Realisierung der Routerfunktion ist daher vorteilhafterweise lediglich eine Datenumsetzung innerhalb der drei untersten Schichten des ISO-Kommunikationsprotokolls erforderlich.Layers are also referred to as an application protocol, in which the agreements are made about the possible and permissible operations that the master initiates in the system of the slave. To implement the router function, therefore, advantageously only a data conversion within the three lowest layers of the ISO communication protocol is required.
In zweckmäßiger Ausgestaltung umfaßt die Netzwerk-Management- Software ein dem Master zugeordnetes (erstes) Softwaremodul sowie ein jedem Slave zugeordnetes (zweites) Softwaremodul auf. Dabei dient das Softwaremodul des Masters zur Generierung mindestens eines Router-Slaves für den oder jeden Slave. Vorzugsweise generiert dieses Softwaremodul mindestens eine zusatzliche Netzwegstrecke oder Ersatzroute, über die dieser Slave ersatzweise erreichbar ist. Das Softwaremodul des Slaves dient zur Identifizierung eines benachbarten Slaves. Dabei generiert dieses Softwaremodul eine Prioritäts- oder Qualitatsliste der bezuglich der Empfangsqualitat „besten Nachbarn", über deren Softwaremodule diese Liste an den Master weitergeleitet wird.In an expedient embodiment, the network management software includes a (first) software module assigned to the master and a (second) software module assigned to each slave. The master's software module is used to generate at least one router slave for the or each slave. This software module preferably generates at least one additional network path or replacement route via which this slave can be reached as an alternative. The software module of the slave is used to identify a neighboring slave. This software module generates a priority or quality list of the “best Neighbors ", via whose software modules this list is forwarded to the master.
Die mit der Erfindung erzielten Vorteile bestehen iήsbeson- dere darin, daß durch die geeignete Durchbrechung der an sich bekannten Master-Slave-Architektur derart, daß ein vom Master nur indirekt erreichbarer Slave über einen benachbarten Slave (Router) in das Netzwerk aufgenommen wird, auch neue Geräte (Slaves) , die vom Master nicht direkt empfangen werden kön- nen, in einfacher Weise ohne zusätzlichen Installationsaufwand automatisch in ein kommunikationsfähiges Netzwerk aufgenommen werden können. Dabei meldet sich der neue Slave aktiv von sich aus im Netzwerk ohne Aufforderung mit einem Meldesignal. Dies erfolgt erst, nachdem sich der Slave über die ak- tive Netzwerkumgebung informiert hat.The advantages achieved by the invention are, in particular, that by appropriately breaking through the known master-slave architecture in such a way that a slave that can only be indirectly reached by the master is included in the network via an adjacent slave (router) New devices (slaves) that cannot be received directly by the master can be automatically added to a communication-capable network in a simple manner without additional installation work. The new slave actively reports itself in the network without a prompt with a message signal. This takes place only after the slave has informed itself about the active network environment.
Das Verfahren eignet sich besonders vorteilhaft zur Kommunikation innerhalb eines elektrischen Niederspannungsnetzwerkes, bei dem von einem Datenkonzentrator (Master) zur Samm- lung und Speicherung von Zählerdaten einer Vielzahl von Elektrizitätszählern (Slaves) in einer Anzahl von Netzrouten an diese zyklisch Statusabfragen gesendet werden. Dabei werden vom Datenkonzentrator nur indirekt erreichbare Geräte über die "besten Nachbarn" (Router) in das Netzwerk aufgenommen.The method is particularly advantageously suitable for communication within an electrical low-voltage network, in which a data concentrator (master) for collecting and storing meter data from a large number of electricity meters (slaves) sends cyclical status queries to these in a number of network routes. The data concentrator only allows indirectly accessible devices to be added to the network via the "best neighbors" (routers).
Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung wird anhand einer Zeichnung näher erläutert. Darin zeigen:An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. In it show:
FIG 1 schematisch eine Master-Slave-Architektur innerhalb eines vermaschten kommunikationsfähigen Netzwerks,1 schematically shows a master-slave architecture within a meshed communication-capable network,
FIG 2 die Software-Architektur eines Netzwerk-Management- Systems zur Generierung einer Routerfunktionalität innerhalb eines Netzwerkes gemäß FIG 1, und FIG 3,4 die Routerfunktionalität beschreibende Datentabel- len eines Masters bzw. eines Slaves. FIG 1 zeigt die Systemarchitektur eines PLC-Untersystems (Power Line Carrier Subsystem) eines kommunikationsfähigen Netzwerkes NW mit im Ausführungsbeispiel zwei Mastern Mι,2 und einer Anzahl von mit diesen über das vermaschte Netzwerk NW kommunikationsfähig verbundenen Slaves Sι...n in drei unterschiedlichen Entfernungsebenen El, E2, E3 relativ zu den Standorten der Master Mι/2. Im Ausführungsbeispiel handelt es sich um eine Master-Slave-Architektur innerhalb eines Ener- gieversorgungsnetzes. Dabei sind die auf unterschiedlichen2 shows the software architecture of a network management system for generating a router functionality within a network according to FIG. 1, and FIG. 3.4 data tables describing the router functionality of a master or a slave. 1 shows the system architecture of a PLC subsystem (Power Line Carrier Subsystem) of a communication-capable network NW with two masters Mι, 2 in the exemplary embodiment and a number of slaves Sι ... n connected to them via the meshed network NW at three different distance levels El, E2, E3 relative to the locations of the Master Mι / 2 . In the exemplary embodiment, it is a master-slave architecture within an energy supply network. The are on different
Kanälen arbeitenden Master Mir2 jeweils einer nicht näher dargestellten Transformatorstation zugeordnet, während die Slaves Sι...n übliche in Haushalten installierte Elektrizitätszähler - nachfolgend auch als Geräte bezeichnet - sind.Channels Master M ir2 each assigned to a transformer station, not shown, while the slaves Sι ... n are conventional electricity meters installed in households - hereinafter also referred to as devices.
Jeder Master Mι,2 stellt einen Datenkonzentrator (Distribution Data Unit) für die diesem zugeordneten Geräte oder Slaves Sι...n dar. Eine anhand der FIG 2 näher erläuterte Netzwerk- Management-Software richtet Verbindungen vom jeweiligen Ma- ster Mι/2 zu den jeweiligen Slaves Sι...n ein. Aufgrund der vermaschten Netzwerktopologie müssen die Master Mι(2 auf unterschiedlichen Kanälen kommunizieren, um eine gegenseitige Überlagerung bei der Datenübertragung zu vermeiden. Die Herstellung der Verbindung eines jeden Slaves Sι...n z dessen Master Mi bzw. M2 kann entweder direkt oder unter Nutzung einer Anzahl von Slaves Sι...n als sogenannte "Router" hergestellt werden. Dabei erlaubt die Vermaschung die Verbindung eines Slaves Sn zu verschiedenen Mastern Mι,2, wobei ein Slave Sn während des Betriebs von einem Master Mι,2 zum ande- ren Master M2,ι wechseln kann.Each master Mι, 2 represents a data concentrator (distribution data unit) for the devices or slaves Sι ... n assigned to it. Network management software explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 2 establishes connections from the respective master Mι / 2 the respective slaves Sι ... n . Due to the meshed network topology, the master Mι (2) must communicate on different channels in order to avoid mutual interference during data transmission. The establishment of the connection of each slave Sι ... n z its master Mi or M 2 can either directly or under A number of slaves Sι ... n can be produced as so-called "routers." The meshing allows the connection of a slave S n to different masters Mι, 2 , with a slave S n during operation from a master Mι, 2 to other master M 2 , ι can change.
Bei der üblicherweise im Master-Slave-Modus erfolgenden Kommunikation werden Datenkollisionen aufgrund einer Datenübertragung von unterschiedlichen Netzwerkpunkten zur selben Zeit vermieden. Durch die nachfolgend näher beschriebene Router- funktionalitat des oder jedes Slaves Sn ist darüber hinaus gewährleistet, daß eine von einem Slave Sn gesendete Antwort infolge einer Statusabfrage des entsprechenden Masters Mι,2 von den anderen Slaves Sι...n-ι empfangen wird. Aufgrund dieser Durchbrechung des üblichen Master-Slave-Mechanismus werden - unter Vermeidung eines zusatzlichen Installationsaufwandes - als zusatzliche Funktionen eine automatische Aufnahme und eine automatische Netzwegzuordnung (Routing) infolge eines sogenannten "Logon-Request" auch solcher Slaves Sι...n reali- siert, die keinen direkten Zugang zu einem der Master Mi(2 haben. Dies ist insbesondere für die Installation neuer, zusatzlicher Gerate in das Netzwerk von besonderer Bedeutung, da diese im Anschluß an deren Installation noch keine logische Verbindung zu einem der Master Mι,2 aufweisen und somit von diesen zu diesem Zeitpunkt weder identifiziert noch empfangen werden können. Dies gilt im Ausführungsbeispiel für die in den Entfernungsebenen E2 und E3 angeordneten oder dort neu installierten Slaves S6...10 bzw. Sn...n.In the communication that usually takes place in master-slave mode, data collisions due to data transmission from different network points at the same time are avoided. Through the router described in more detail below Functionality of the or each slave S n is also ensured that a response sent by a slave S n is received by the other slaves Sι ... n -ι due to a status query of the corresponding master Mι, 2 . Due to this breakthrough of the usual master-slave mechanism, automatic recording and automatic network path assignment (routing) as a result of a so-called "logon request", even of such slaves Sι ... n, are realized as additional functions, while avoiding additional installation work , which do not have direct access to one of the master M i (2 ). This is particularly important for the installation of new, additional devices in the network, since these do not yet have a logical connection to one of the master M 1, 2 after their installation and can therefore neither be identified nor received by them at this point in time. This applies in the exemplary embodiment to the slaves S6 ... 10 or Sn ... n arranged in the distance planes E2 and E3 or newly installed there.
Zur Realisierung dieser zusatzlichen Routerfunktionalität weisen jeder Slave Sn ein Softwaremodul PLC und jeder Master Mi,2 ein Softwaremodul PLC auf. Das Softwaremodul PLC jedes Slaves Sn ist an eine zu dem entsprechenden Gerat geführte Verbindungsleitung Ln zur Leistungsubertragung inklu- sive der gesamten Netzwerkfunktionalitat angeschlossen. Dabei werden in diesem Softwaremodul PLC eines jeden Slaves Sn zur Realisierung der Routerfunktionalität die untersten drei Schichten des ISO-Kommunikationsprotokolls umgesetzt. Die da- ruberliegenden Schichten des ISO-Kommunikationsprotokolls werden in einem Anwendungsmodul MA (Meter Applications) des entsprechenden Slaves Sn umgesetzt. Dabei ist die Funktionalitat dieses Anwendungsmoduls MA unabhängig von der Funktionalitat des Softwaremoduls PLC, so daß jede Netzwerk-Management-Funktion über diese Softwaremodule PLC ablauft. Jeder Master Mι,2 weist einen Datenkonzentrator DC und ein lediglich auf Master-Ebene arbeitendes erstes Kommunikationsmodul KM1 sowie ein zweites Kommunikationsmodul KM2 für eine funktional von dem Softwaremodul PLC unabhängige Kömmunika- tion auf. Dabei ist das Softwaremodul PLC zusätzlich in die Masterfunktionalität integriert.To implement this additional router functionality, each slave S n has a software module PLC and each master Mi, 2 has a software module PLC. The software module PLC of each slave S n is connected to a connection line L n led to the corresponding device for power transmission, including the entire network functionality. The bottom three layers of the ISO communication protocol are implemented in this software module PLC of each slave S n to implement the router functionality. The layers of the ISO communication protocol lying above are implemented in an application module MA (Meter Applications) of the corresponding slave S n . The functionality of this application module MA is independent of the functionality of the software module PLC, so that each network management function runs through these software modules PLC. Each master M1, 2 has a data concentrator DC and a first communication module KM1, which only works at the master level, and a second communication module KM2 for communication that is functionally independent of the software module PLC. The PLC software module is also integrated in the master functionality.
Die Architektur einer in dem Softwaremodul PLC des oder jedes Slaves Sn und in dem Softwaremodul PLC des oder jedes Ma- sters Mι,2 realisierten Netzwerk-Management-Software ist inThe architecture of a network management software implemented in the software module PLC of the or each slave S n and in the software module PLC of the or each master M 2 is shown in FIG
FIG 2 schematisch dargestellt. Dargestellt ist die Umsetzung der Netzwerk-Management-Software NMS und einer tabellarischen Netzwerk-Datenbank oder Datentabelle DT innerhalb der Schichten des ISO-Kommunikationsprotokolls. Dabei realisiert die Netzwerk-Management-Software NMS einerseits über die dritte Schicht oder Netzwerkebene NL (Network Layer) die Weichenstellung für einen Datentransport entweder zu den nächst höheren Schichten bis zur Anwendungsebene AL (Application Layer) oder zur nächst niedrigen, die Datentransport- oder Datenverbindungsebene DL (Data Link Layer) repräsentierenden Schicht des ISO-Kommunikationsprotokolls. Auf die Netzwerkebene NL greift auch die Datentabelle DT zu, auf die wiederum die Netzwerk-Management-Software NMS zugreift. Dabei ist die Netzwerkebene NL transparent zu den darüberliegenden Schich- ten.FIG 2 is shown schematically. The implementation of the network management software NMS and a tabular network database or data table DT within the layers of the ISO communication protocol is shown. The network management software NMS uses the third layer or network level NL (network layer) to set the course for data transport either to the next higher layers up to the application level AL (application layer) or to the next lower level, the data transport or data connection level DL (Data Link Layer) representative layer of the ISO communication protocol. The data table DT also accesses the network level NL, which in turn is accessed by the network management software NMS. The network level NL is transparent to the layers above.
Die Netzwerkebene NL benötigt Netzwerk-Informationsdaten, um Abfragen oder Informationen an die jeweils als Router-Slaves adressierten Slaves Sι...n übertragen zu können. Die Funktio- nen der Netzwerkebene NL sind daher für den Master Mι,2 sowie für jeden Slave Sn stets gleich, während die Netzwerkdaten und damit die Datentabellen DT sowie die Netzwerk-Management- Software NMS des Masters Mi/2 bzw. des Slaves Sn unterschiedlich sind. Auch die zwischen der Netzwerkebene NL und der physikalischen Ebene PL (Physical Layer) liegende Datenver- bindungsebene DL (Data Link Layer) ist transparent für die Netzwerk-Management-Software NMS. Innerhalb dieser Datenverbindungsebene DL, in der auch die Funktionalität einer Kollisionserkennung und/oder Kollisionsvermeidung realisiert sein kann, werden ohne jegliche Master-Slave-Struktur Punkt- zu Punkt-Verbindungen zwischen den Slaves Sι...n hergestellt oder „Broadcasts" gesendet.The network level NL requires network information data in order to be able to transmit queries or information to the slaves Sι ... n addressed as router slaves. The functions of the network level NL are therefore always the same for the master Mι, 2 and for each slave S n , while the network data and thus the data tables DT and the network management software NMS of the master M i / 2 or of the slave S n are different. The data processing between the network level NL and the physical level PL (physical layer) link level DL (Data Link Layer) is transparent for the network management software NMS. Within this data connection level DL, in which the functionality of a collision detection and / or collision avoidance can also be realized, point-to-point connections between the slaves Sι ... n are established or “broadcasts” sent without any master-slave structure.
Die in FIG 2 dargestellte Software-Architektur gilt sowohl für das Softwaremodul PLC des Masters Mι,2 als auch für das Softwaremodul PLC des Slaves Sn. Dabei sind lediglich die Funktionalitäten der Netzwerk-Management-Software NMS sowie der Inhalt und die Form der Datentabelle DT für den Master Mi,2 und für den Slave Sn unterschiedlich, während die jeweilige Struktur identisch ist. Daher wird nachfolgend durch entsprechende Indizierung auf die Netzwerk-Management- Software NMSM des Masters MX/2 bzw. die Netzwerk-Management- Software NMSS des Slaves Sn bezug genommen. Bezüglich des Softwaremoduls PLC des Masters Mi(2 dient die Netzwerkebe- ne NL zur Datenaufnahme aus den höheren Ebenen TL, AL oder von der Netzwerk-Management-Software NMSM sowie zur Übertragung dieser Daten an die Datentransportebene DL.The software architecture shown in FIG. 2 applies both to the software module PLC of the master MI, 2 and to the software module PLC of the slave S n . Only the functionalities of the network management software NMS and the content and form of the data table DT are different for the master Mi, 2 and for the slave S n , while the respective structure is identical. For this reason, reference is subsequently made to the network management software NMS M of the master M X / 2 or the network management software NMS S of the slave S n by appropriate indexing. With regard to the software module PLC of the master M i (2) , the network level NL is used for data acquisition from the higher levels TL, AL or from the network management software NMS M and for the transmission of this data to the data transport level DL.
Die vom Softwaremodul PLC des Masters Mι,2 erstellte Datenta- belle DTM ist in FIG 3 dargestellt. Der Rahmen der entsprechenden Datenverbindungsebene DLM beinhaltet eine Adresse (Device Address) des jeweiligen Slaves Sn (Meter) , die anhand der in FIG 3 oberen Liste (Logon List) in eine Netzwerkadresse (Network Layer Address) überführt wird. Außerdem enthält der Rahmen der Datenverbindungsebene DLM eine Anzahl von Feldern für z.B. einen ersten und einen zweiten Router-Slave. Diese Felder werden anhand der in FIG 3 unteren Liste (Routing List) mit einer Route zu dem jeweiligen Router-Slave Rl, R2 belegt, wobei die hinsichtlich der zuverlässigen Erreich- barkeit eines benachbarten Slaves Sn besten Router-Slave an- hand eines Quality-Codes priorisiert werden. Die aufgeführten, von 0001h bis 7FEFh fortlaufenden Adressen sind beispielhaft gewählt, wobei die Adresse 7FFFh einen ungenutzten Router-Slave Rl, R2 kennzeichnet.The data table DT M created by the software module PLC of the master MI 2 is shown in FIG. The frame of the corresponding data connection level DL M contains an address (device address) of the respective slave S n (meter), which is converted into a network address (network layer address) on the basis of the upper list in FIG. 3 (logon list). In addition, the frame of the data link level DL M contains a number of fields for, for example, a first and a second router slave. These fields are assigned a route to the respective router slave R1, R2 on the basis of the list below in FIG. 3 (routing list), the router slaves best in terms of the reliable accessibility of a neighboring slave S n being be prioritized using a quality code. The listed addresses, consecutive from 0001h to 7FEFh, are selected as examples, the address 7FFFh identifying an unused router slave R1, R2.
Der Master Mi,2 gruppiert die mit diesem verbundenen und in der "Logon-Liste" aufgeführten Slaves Sn anhand deren Router- Slaves Rl, R2 und legt dabei diese Liste als Netzwerk-Datentabelle DTM an, die zyklisch aktualisiert wird. Auf diese Weise werden mittels des Softwaremoduls PLC des Masters Mi,2 jedem Slave Sn jeweils zwei Router-Slaves Rl und R2 in drei Netzwegstrecken oder Netzrouten Ln (Route Nr. 1,2 und 3) zugeordnet .The master Mi, 2 groups the slaves S n connected to it and listed in the "logon list" on the basis of their router slaves Rl, R2 and creates this list as a network data table DT M , which is updated cyclically. In this way, by means of the software module PLC of the master Mi, 2, each slave S n is assigned two router slaves Rl and R2 in three network routes or network routes L n (route nos. 1,2 and 3).
Analog erzeugt jeder Slave Sn mittels des Softwaremoduls PLC eine in FIG 4 dargestellte Netzwerk-Datentabelle DTS. In die in FIG 4 untere Liste (Logon Request List) der Datentabelle DTS werden einerseits die Adressen derjenigen Router- Slaves Rl, R2, R3 eingetragen, über die dieser Slave Sn er- reichbar ist.Analogously, each slave S n generates a network data table DT S shown in FIG. 4 using the software module PLC. In the lower list in FIG. 4 (logon request list) of the data table DT S , the addresses of those router slaves R1, R2, R3 are entered on the one hand, via which this slave S n can be reached.
Dazu sammelt der Slave Sn zunächst in der in FIG 4 oberen Liste (Best Router List) die Adressen (Addr. Nr. 1, 2, 3) der von diesem über mögliche Kommunikationswege (Routen) empfan- genen Slaves Sn, die nicht bereits von zwei Router- Slaves Rl, R2 adressiert worden sind. Dabei werden diese Adressen innerhalb eines vorgebbaren Zeitrahmens Tz von z.B. 15 Minuten gespeichert, bevor der Slave Sn im Rahmen einer zyklischen Statusabfrage dem Master Mi,2 die drei ersten Adressen der "besten Nachbarn" über die zu diesen Adressen gehörenden Router-Slaves Rl, R2 mitteilt. Dabei unterliegen die Zeitrahmen Tz, d. h. die Wartezeiten, einem Alterungsprozeß, damit neuere Ergebnisse starker berücksichtigt werden. Somit kann ein zusatzlich installiertes Gerat, insbesondere auch ein neu aufzunehmender Slave, über dessen Softwaremodul PLC wahrend einer Statusabfrage des zugehörigen Masters Mi,2 bei der der Slave selbst -wegen seiner "Unbekanntheit" im Netzwerk noch nicht abgefragt wird, zunächst Adressen von als möglichen Router-Slaves Rl bis R5 identifizierten Slaves Sn sammeln und diese hinsichtlich deren jeweiliger Erreichbarkeit priorisieren. Er informiert sich also zunächst über seine Netzwerkumgebung.For this purpose, the slave S n first collects in the upper list in FIG. 4 (best router list) the addresses (addr. Nos. 1, 2, 3) of the slaves S n received by the latter via possible communication paths (routes) that are not have already been addressed by two router slaves R1, R2. These addresses are stored within a predeterminable time frame T z of, for example, 15 minutes before the slave S n as part of a cyclical status query to the master Mi, 2 the three first addresses of the "best neighbors" via the router slaves Rl belonging to these addresses , R2 announces. The time frames T z , ie the waiting times, are subject to an aging process so that more recent results are taken into account more strongly. Thus, an additionally installed device, in particular also a new slave to be added, via its software module PLC during a status query of the associated master Mi, 2, in which the slave itself is not yet queried because of its "unknownness" in the network, addresses of as possible Router slaves Rl to R5 collect identified slaves S n and prioritize them in terms of their respective accessibility. So he first gets information about his network environment.
Anschließend meldet dieser Slave Sn mit einem spontanen Meldesignal im Netzwerk und teilt sofort oder ggf. auf Basis eines spateren Aufrufs die Adressen der priorisierten Router- Slaves Rl bis R3 mit. Entsprechend der priorisierten Slaves wird der neue Slave dann von dem oder den Router-Slaves Rl bis R3 an den entsprechenden Master Mi,2 angemeldet. Dessen Softwaremodul PLC veranlaßt dann wiederum eine entsprechende Eintragung in seiner Netzwerk-Datentabelle DTM. Daraufhin veranlaßt der Master Mι,2 den höchst priorisierten Router- Slave Rl den zusätzlich installierten Slave Sn über die entsprechende Route (Route Nr. 1) in das Netzwerk NW aufzunehmen.This slave S n then reports with a spontaneous signal in the network and immediately or, if necessary, on the basis of a later call, reports the addresses of the prioritized router slaves R 1 to R 3. In accordance with the prioritized slaves, the new slave is then registered by the router slave (s) Rl to R3 to the corresponding master Mi, 2 . Its software module PLC then in turn makes a corresponding entry in its network data table DT M. 2 then causes the master Mι, the highest priority slave router Rl to the additionally installed slave S n via the corresponding route (route no. 1) included in the network NW.
Die weiteren gemeldeten Router-Slaves Rl, R2 der übrigen Routen (Route Nr. 2 und 3) werden dann entsprechend derenThe other reported router slaves Rl, R2 of the other routes (route nos. 2 and 3) are then corresponding to them
Priorität (Quality) als Ersatzrouten gefuhrt. Das Softwaremodul PLC jedes Slaves Sn dient somit zur Identifizierung sowohl eines benachbarten Slaves Sn, z.B. eines neu installierten Slaves Sn, als auch mindestens eines benachbarten Slaves Sn als zukunftigen Router-Slave Rl, R2.Priority (Quality) managed as replacement routes. The software module PLC of each slave S n thus serves to identify both an adjacent slave S n , for example a newly installed slave S n , and at least one adjacent slave S n as future router slave R1, R2.
Die Netzwerk-Management-Software NMS - realisiert in den Software-Modulen PLC, PLC - ermöglicht somit jedem Master Mi,2 die Zuordnung von im Ausfuhrungsbeispiel drei Kommunika- tionswegen (Routen) zu jedem Slave Sn. Die entsprechende Da- tentabelle DTM, die zusatzlich zu diesen Routen oder Netzwegstrecken Ln auch die jedem Slave Sn zugeordneten Router- Slaves Rl, R2 beinhaltet, wird vorzugsweise dynamisch aktualisiert. Zudem ermöglicht die Netzwerk-Management-Sόft- wäre NMS jedem neu installierten Slave Sn dessen benachbarten Slaves Sι...n_ι zu empfangen und sich über die "besten Nachbarn" - also quasi selbst - zur Aufnahme in das Netzwerk NW zu melden.The network management software NMS - implemented in the software modules PLC, PLC - thus enables each master Mi, 2 to assign three communication paths (routes) to each slave S n in the exemplary embodiment. The corresponding date The table DT M , which in addition to these routes or network routes L n also contains the router slaves R1, R2 assigned to each slave S n , is preferably updated dynamically. In addition, the network management software NMS would enable any newly installed slave S n to receive its neighboring slaves Sι ... n _ι and to report via the "best neighbors" - that is to say, itself - for inclusion in the NW network.
Auf diese Weise können ohne zusatzlichen Installationsaufwand in einfacher Weise neu installierte Gerate (Slaves) unabhängig von deren Entfernung zum Datenkonzentrator DC (Master) in das Netzwerk NW aufgenommen werden. Dabei sind z.B. für Slaves Sn der dritten Entfernungsebene E3 jeweils zwei Rou- ter-Slaves Rl, R2 in der Datentabelle DT aufgeführt, wahrend für solche der zweiten Entfernungsebene E2 nur jeweils ein Router-Slave Rl aufgeführt ist. Bei vom Master Mι,2 direkt empfangenen Slaves Sn der ersten Entfernungsebene El wird der Master Mι,2 selbst als Router-Slave Rl registriert.In this way, newly installed devices (slaves) can be easily added to the network NW regardless of their distance from the data concentrator DC (master) without additional installation effort. For example, for slaves S n of the third distance level E3, two router slaves R1, R2 are listed in the data table DT, while for those of the second distance level E2, only one router slave R1 is listed. In the case of slaves S n of the first distance level E 1 received directly by the master MI 2 , the master MI 2 is itself registered as a router slave R1.
Mit anderen Worten: Wesentlicher Gesichtspunkt der neuen Idee ist, daß neue Slaves nach einer Orientierungs- oder Mithor- phase im Netzwerk sich selbst ohne Aufforderung im „Huckepackverfahren" bei Router-Slaves melden, um dann indi- rekt in den Datenverbund aufgenommen zu werden. Sie sind anschließend indirekt - quasi in zweiter oder dritter Generation - in den Datenverkehr mit dem Master eingebunden, wobei dieser keinen direkten Zugriff auf derartige Slaves hat. Eine Änderung kann bei einer Änderung der Ubertragungsqualitaten oder der Netzkonfiguration entstehen. Dies wird bei routinemäßigen Statusabfragen überprüft und ggf. aktualisiert. In other words: An essential aspect of the new idea is that after an orientation or listening phase in the network, new slaves report themselves to the router slaves without being asked to “piggyback”, in order to then be included indirectly in the data network. They are then indirectly - quasi second or third generation - involved in the data traffic with the master, whereby the master has no direct access to such slaves. A change can result from a change in the transmission quality or the network configuration. This is checked during routine status queries and updated if necessary.

Claims

Patentansprüche claims
1. Verfahren zur Kommunikation innerhalb eines Netzwerks1. Procedure for communication within a network
(NW) , insbesondere zur Kommunikation innerhalb eines elek- trischen Niederspannungsnetzwerks, bei dem von einem Master (Mi,2) an eine Vielzahl von Slaves (Sι...n) in einer Anzahl von Netzrouten (Ln) eine Statusabfrage ausgesendet wird, wobei ein vom Master (Mi,2) indirekt erreichbarer Slave (Sn) über einen benachbarten und als Router-Slave (Rl, R2) identifizierten Slave (Sι...n-ι) in das Netzwerk (NW) aufgenommen wird, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t,(NW), in particular for communication within an electrical low-voltage network, in which a status request is sent from a master (Mi, 2 ) to a large number of slaves (Sι ... n ) in a number of network routes (L n ), wherein a slave (S n ) indirectly reachable by the master (Mi, 2) is included in the network (NW) via an adjacent slave (Sι ... n -ι) identified as a router slave (Rl, R2), characterized in that ,
- daß während einer Statusabfrage des Masters (Mi,2) von einem zusätzlich aufzunehmenden Slave (Sn) zunächst Netzwerk- Adressen einer Anzahl benachbarter Slaves (Sι...n-ι) gespeichert werden,- that during a status query of the master (Mi, 2 ) an additional slave (S n ) to be added initially stores network addresses of a number of neighboring slaves (Sι ... n -ι),
- daß sich der zusätzlich aufzunehmende Slave (Sn ) bei mindestens einen der benachbarten Slaves (Sι...n_ι) meldet und über diesen, der dann als Router-Slave (Rl, R2) dient, beim Master (Mi,2) angemeldet wird, und- That the additional slave (S n ) to be registered reports to at least one of the neighboring slaves (Sι ... n _ι) and via this, which then serves as a router slave (Rl, R2), to the master (Mi, 2) is registered, and
- daß dem zusätzlich aufzunehmenden Slave (Sn) vom Master- That the additional slave (S n ) from the master
(Mi,2) die Netzwerk-Adresse des oder jedes Router- Slaves (Rl, R2) zugeordnet wird.(Mi, 2 ) the network address of the or each router slave (Rl, R2) is assigned.
2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t, daß eine nachfolgende Statusabfrage des Masters (Mi,2) über den Router-Slave (Rl, R2) an den indirekt erreichbaren Slave (Sn) weiterge- leitet wird.2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that a subsequent status query of the master (Mi, 2 ) via the router slave (Rl, R2) is forwarded to the indirectly accessible slave (S n ).
3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t, daß der Router- Slave (Rl, R2) vom Master (Mι,2) zur Abfrage des indirekt er- reichbaren Slaves (Sn) adressiert wird. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the router slave (Rl, R2) is addressed by the master (Mι, 2 ) for querying the indirectly reachable slave (S n ).
4. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t, daß jedem Slave4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that each slave
(Sn) mindestens ein Router-Slave (Rl, R2) zugeordnet wird, wobei zyklisch jeder Slave hinsichtlich dessen Route'r-Slave (Rl, R2) abgefragt wird, und wobei der Adresse dieses Slaves (Sn) eine entsprechende Adresse des oder jedes Router-Slaves (Rl, R2) zugeordnet wird.(S n ) at least one router slave (Rl, R2) is assigned, each slave being cyclically queried for its route ' r slave (Rl, R2), and the address of this slave (S n ) being a corresponding address of the or each router slave (Rl, R2) is assigned.
5. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t, daß von einem zusätzlich installierten und indirekt erreichbaren Slave hinsichtlich dessen Erreichbarkeit eine Anzahl benachbarter Slaves (Sn) als Router-Slaves (Rl, R2) priorisiert wird, wobei der zusätzlich installierte Slave (Sn) über den Router- Slave (Rl, R2) mit der höchsten Priorität in das Netzwerk aufgenommen wird.5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a number of adjacent slaves (S n ) is prioritized as router slaves (Rl, R2) in terms of its accessibility from an additionally installed and indirectly accessible slave, the additionally installed slave (S n ) is added to the network via the router slave (Rl, R2) with the highest priority.
6. Verfahren nach Anspruch 5, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t, daß dem zusätz- lieh installierten Slave (Sn) vom Master (Mi,2) eine Netzwerk- Adresse zugewiesen wird.6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the additional loan installed slave (S n ) from the master (Mi, 2 ) is assigned a network address.
7. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t, daß der neu zu installierte Slave (Sn) sich nach dem Abspeichen der Adressen der benachbarten Slaves (Sι...n-ι) spontan ein Meldesignal in das Netzwerk abgibt.7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the newly installed slave (S n ) spontaneously emits a message signal in the network after storing the addresses of the neighboring slaves (Sι ... n -ι).
8. Kommunikationsfähiges Netzwerk zur Durchführung des Verfahrens nach Anspruch 1, mit einem Master und mit einer Vielzahl von Slaves (Sn) in einer Anzahl von mit dem Master (Mι,2) verbundenen Netzrouten (Ln) , wobei der Master zur Statusabfrage jedes Slaves (Sn) ausgelegt ist, und mit einer Netzwerk-Management-Software (NMS) zur Zuordnung von Router-Slaves (Rl, R2) zu dem oder jedem Slave (Sn) und zum Verbindungsaufbau zwischen benachbarten Slaves (Sn) und wobei die Netzwerk-Management-Software (NMS) ein dem Master (Mi,2) zugeordnetes Softwaremodul (PLC) zur Generierung mindestens eines Router-Slaves (Rl, R2) "für den oder jeden Slave (Sn) und ein dem oder jedem Slave (Sn) zugeordnetes Softwaremodul (PLC) zur Identifizierung eines benachbarten Slaves (Sn) aufweist und wobei die Slaves (Sn) zur Erzeugung eines spontanen Meldesignals, welches vom Master (Mi,2) und/oder von zumindest einem Slave (Sn) empfangbar ist, ausgelegt sind.8. Communication-capable network for performing the method according to claim 1, with a master and with a plurality of slaves (S n ) in a number of with the master (Mι, 2 ) connected network routes (L n ), the master for status query each Slaves (S n ) is designed, and with a network management software (NMS) for assigning router slaves (Rl, R2) to the or each Slave (S n ) and for establishing a connection between neighboring slaves (S n ) and the network management software (NMS) is a software module (PLC) assigned to the master (Mi, 2) for generating at least one router slave (Rl, R2 ) "for the or each slave (S n ) and a software module (PLC) assigned to the or each slave (S n ) for identifying an adjacent slave (S n ) and wherein the slaves (S n ) for generating a spontaneous signal, which can be received by the master (Mi, 2 ) and / or by at least one slave (S n ).
9. Kommunikationsfähiges Netzwerk nach Anspruch 8, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t, daß das Softwaremodul (PLC) des Masters (Mι, ) zur Generierung mindestens ei- ner Ersatzroute (Ln) ausgelegt ist.9. Communication-capable network according to claim 8, characterized in that the software module (PLC) of the master (Mι,) is designed to generate at least one replacement route (L n ).
10. Kommunikationsfähiges Netzwerk nach Anspruch 8 oder 9, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t, daß das Softwaremodul (PLC ) des Masters (Mι,2) zur Zuordnung einer Netzwerk- Adresse zu einem zusätzlich installierten Slave (Sn) ausgelegt ist.10. Communication-capable network according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the software module (PLC) of the master (Mι, 2 ) is designed to assign a network address to an additionally installed slave (S n ).
11. Kommunikationsfähiges Netzwerk nach einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 10, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t, daß das Softwaremodul (PLC) des Slaves (Sn) zur Generierung einer Prioritätenliste mit Netzwerk-Adressen benachbarter Slaves (Sι...n) sowie zur Weiterleitung einer solchen von einem benachbarten Slave (Sn) erstellten Liste an den Master (Mι,2) ausgelegt ist. 11. Communication-capable network according to one of claims 9 to 10, characterized in that the software module (PLC) of the slave (S n ) for generating a priority list with network addresses of adjacent slaves (Sι ... n ) and for forwarding one of them neighboring slave (S n ) created list is designed to the master (Mi, 2 ).
EP98925426A 1997-03-21 1998-03-23 Method for adding a subscriber station to a network communication Withdrawn EP0968592A2 (en)

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