Configuration control for bus networks

Abstract

A distributed configuration control method applicable to networks based on slotted bus transmission systems is presented. The method creates an operational network out of the individual bus links, removes failed sections from the network by reconfiguration, and supports node insertion and removal. It is designed to work in both dual and folded bus systems. The configuration control is based on simple physical layer signaling, achieving maximum possible connectivity for both open (linear) and looped (ring) topologies. It uses only generally available medium-access control (MAC) functions and is therefore applicable to any slotted-bus MAC protocol. It is shown that in the context of this configuration control algorithm, any network can be reduced to an equivalent five-node configuration. The algorithm can recover from all possible single failures in this five-node configuration, i.e., in an arbitrary network. The algorithm also handles node removal and insertion, and functions to support network management are provided.