A METHOD OF COMMISSIONING A WIRED COMMUNICATION NETWORK

Abstract

A method of commissioning a wired communication network, wherein said communication network is being configured to comprise a plurality of interconnected Data Forwarding Devices, DFDs in accordance with a network topology plan, wherein said network topology plan identifies how said plurality of DFDs are interconnected, and wherein each DFD has a plurality of ports for connecting to one or more further DFDs, wherein said method comprises the steps of generating link combination codes used to identify cables for interconnections in said network topology plan, wherein each link combination code is based on respective ports to which a respective cable is to be connected, generating unique port combination codes used to identify DFDs in said network topology plan, wherein each port combination code is based on respective ports with which a respective DFD is connected to further DFDs, and wherein said port combination codes are generated such that each DFD in said network topology plan utilizes different sets of ports for said interconnecting and applying said unique port combination codes to said plurality of DFDs.

Claims

1. A method of commissioning a wired communication network, wherein said communication network is being configured to comprise a plurality of interconnected Data Forwarding Devices, DFDs in accordance with a network topology plan, wherein said network topology plan identifies how said plurality of DFDs are interconnected, and wherein each DFD has a plurality of ports for connecting to one or more further DFDs, wherein said method comprises the steps of: generating link combination codes used to identify cables for interconnections of DFDs in said network topology plan, wherein each link combination code indicates two DFDs that an interconnecting cable is to be connected to and the respective DFD ports on these DFDs that the interconnecting cable is to be connected to; characterized in that said method comprises the steps of: generating unique port combination codes used to identify DFDs in said network topology plan, wherein each port combination code is based on respective ports with which a respective DFD is connected using a cable to further DFDs, and wherein said port combination codes are generated such that each DFD in said network topology plan utilizes different sets of ports for said interconnecting and wherein said sets of ports exclude mirrored ports; applying said unique port combination codes to said plurality of DFDs such that each DFD is interconnected in accordance with a different one of the generated unique port combination codes; and verifying whether said applied unique port combination codes to said plurality of DFDs correspond to said generated unique port combination codes for said plurality of DFDs.

2. (canceled)

3. A method of commissioning a wired communication network in accordance with claim 1, wherein said step of applying said unique port combination codes comprises the steps of: receiving, by a particular DFD identified by a corresponding particular port combination code, a cable in two of said respective ports; determining, by said particular DFD, said corresponding particular port combination code by recognizing said respective ports to which said cable is connected.

4. A method of commissioning a wired communication network in accordance with claim 1, wherein said step of applying said unique port combination codes comprises the steps of: transmitting, by a particular DFD identified by a corresponding particular port combination code, a message comprising a device identification identifying said particular DFD and a port identification identifying said port over which said message is transmitted; receiving, by a control system, said transmitted message, and mapping said device identification with said corresponding port combination code.

5. (canceled)

6. A method of commissioning a wired communication network in accordance with, wherein said step of verifying comprises: transmitting, by a particular DFD, a verification message comprising its corresponding applied unique port combination code; receiving, by a control system, said transmitted verification message, and verifying, by said control system, whether said applied unique port combination code corresponds to said generated port combination code.

7. A method of commissioning a wired communication network in accordance with claim 6, wherein said step of verifying indicates that said applied unique port combination code does not correspond to said generated port combination code, said method further comprises the step of: determining, by said control system, which cable is misplaced in ports of said particular DFD based on said applied unique port combination code and said generated port combination code, and providing, by said control system, guidance to an installer by indicating how to replace said cable in said ports of said particular DFD.

8. A network comprising: a wired communication network being configured to comprise a plurality of interconnected Data Forwarding Devices, DFDs in accordance with a network topology plan, wherein said network topology plan identifies how said plurality of DFDs are interconnected, and wherein each DFD has a plurality of ports for connecting to one or more further DFD's, wherein: link combination codes are generated, which link combination codes are used to identify cables for interconnections of DFDs in said network topology plan, wherein each link combination code is based on respective ports to which a respective cable is to be connected, and unique port combination codes are generated, which unique port combination codes are used to identify DFDs in said network topology plan, wherein each port combination code is based on respective ports with which a respective DFD is connected using a cable to further DFDs, and wherein said port combination codes are generated such that each DFD in said network topology plan utilizes different sets of ports for said interconnecting and wherein said sets of ports exclude mirrored ports; wherein each DFD is interconnected in accordance with a different one of the generated unique port combination codes and a control system comprising a control server, wherein said control server comprises: receive equipment arranged for receiving, from a particular DFD, a verification message comprising a corresponding applied unique port combination code for said particular DFD, and verify equipment arranged for verifying whether said applied unique port combination code for said particular DFD corresponds to said generated port combination code.

9. (canceled)

10. A network in accordance with claim 6, wherein a DFD comprises: receive equipment arranged for receiving a cable in two of said respective ports; process equipment arranged for determining said corresponding particular port combination code by recognizing said respective ports to which said cable is connected.

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. A network in accordance with claim 6, wherein: said receive equipment is further arranged for receiving a message transmitted a particular DFD, wherein said message comprises a device identification identifying said particular DFD and a port identification identifying said port over which said message is transmitted by said particular DFD, and wherein said control server further comprises: map equipment arranged for mapping said device identification with a corresponding port combination code.

14. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0095] FIG. 1 shows an example of a domain model to elucidate the presented method.

[0096] FIG. 2 shows an example of the basic steps in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

[0097] FIG. 3 discloses an example of a network design which is used for elucidating the presented method.

[0098] FIG. 4 discloses an example of a port combination code table.

[0099] FIG. 5 discloses an example of a link combination code table.

[0100] FIG. 6 discloses an example of a Data Forwarding Device.

[0101] FIG. 7 discloses an example of a method in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0102] FIG. 1 shows an example of a domain model 1 to elucidate the presented method.

[0103] The domain model 1 shown in FIG. 1 is included to provide background information with respect to the present disclosure. Here, a Control System 7 is provided which comprises a Software Defined Application system 8. The Software Defined Application system 8 is arranged to generate an application control plan with a network topology plan 9 with unique combination codes for use within the present disclosure. The message generator app 14 is arranged to produce context based information, transmit the information using a Transceiver 13 for reception by a message receiver app 12 of an intended installer 11. The Installer 11 can read the information and use a portcombo tool 10 to apply the unique port combination codes to the respective Data Forwarding Devices, DFDs, at a specific location in a network, which may be a path in between 5 and/or a border network component 3 of the communication network 4.

[0104] The components as referenced to with reference numerals 3 and 6 are interconnected using interlinks via a network path in between 5. Application end node 2 is connected via a borderlink to the border network component 3. The Software Defined Application system 8 is arranged to dynamically detect the network paths making up the communication network 4, be them the interlinks and the borderlinks by using e.g. a network management system 6. The Software Defined Application system 7 is arranged to consult the network topology plan from the application control plan 9 and the previously designed network topology and requirements stipulated therein, so as to perform an analysis between the planned network topology and the actually installed network topology. The progression may be dynamically followed and appropriate status and error messages may be sent to the installer 11.

[0105] FIG. 2 shows an example of the basic steps 21 in accordance with an example of the present disclosure.

[0106] In a first step, link combination codes and port combination codes are generated 22. The link combination codes are used to identify cables for interconnections in the network topology plan, wherein each link combination code is based on respective ports to which a respective cable is to be connected. The unique port combination codes are used to identify DFDs in the network topology plane, wherein each port combination code is based on respective ports with which a respective DFD is connected to further DFDs, and wherein the port combination codes are generated such that each DFD in the network topology plan utilizes different sets of ports for the interconnecting.

[0107] The above described unique port combination codes may aid an installer in the installation process, and may aid the installer in verifying whether the DFDs have been connected correctly.

[0108] The generated port combination codes are then assigned 23, i.e. applied, to the respective DFDs. As mentioned before, such an assignment process may take different forms. In one of the examples, the installer may connect a cross cable between the ports of an DFD that are used for connecting that particular DFD to further DFDs. The particular DFD may sense the ports that are used for the cross cable connection to identify which DFD it is in the network topology plan.

[0109] Next, a validation process 24 may be initiated. The validation process may be started upon installing all DFDs in the network topology plan, or may be run in parallel. That is, the validation process may continuously check whether a freshly installed DFD is installed correctly. It may thus be validated that a particular DFD is installed correctly on a pre-planned location by comparing the applied code with the pre-planned generated port combination code for that particular DFD.

[0110] As such, a error detection process 25 may be initiated. The progress of the installation of the network, i.e. the DFDs in the network, may be followed and it may be validated whether the progress in in line with the network topology plan. It may be detected if the installed topology of then network deviates from the network topology plan.

[0111] Finally, a guidance process 26 may be initiated. The installer may be guided in such a way that the installer is able to correct any erroneously connected DFDs.

[0112] FIG. 3 discloses an example of a network design 201 which is used for elucidating the presented method.

[0113] Shown is a building having a plurality of rooms, i.e. rooms A, H, G, F, E, X, Y, Z, B. The corresponding network topology plan indicated that a plurality of DFDs are to be installed in the building. The DFDs are referenced to with the reference numerals d1, d2, d3, d4, d5, d6, d7, d8, d10 and d11.

[0114] The DFDs are connected to each other, for example in some sort of ring topology, using the interlinks as indicated with the bold dashed lines. For example the DFD d1 is connected to the DFD d2 as well as to the DFD d8. Each of the DFDs may further be connected to sensors, actuators, lights, etc.

[0115] According to the presented method there is provided a wired communication network which comprises a plurality of interconnected Data Forwarding Devices, DFDs, wherein each DFD has a plurality of ports for connecting to one or more further DFD's, wherein each DFD in the wired communication network utilizes different, unique, sets of ports for interconnection with said one or more further DFD's.

[0116] For example, a port combination code 401 is assigned to code 8(501)+4(502), which entails that the cable 501 should be inserted in port 8 of DFD 401 and cable 502 should be inserted on port 4 of DFD 401. An example of a link combination code 501 is d3p1+d4p8, which entails that this cable should interconnect DFD d3 via its port 1 and DFD d4 via its port 8. Correspondingly, a port combination code 402 is assigned as 3(502)+6(503), etc.

[0117] During the installation process of the DFDs, several states may be recognized.

[0118] A validation correct state. As an example port combination code 401 was generated to interconnect DFD d4 to DFD d5 via cable 502 on port 4 and to DFD d3 via cable 501 on port 8. Since both cables are connected to other operating DFDs d3 and d5 the interlink is up and running. The status of the DFD in the network plan is updated accordingly, the DFD may update its local feedback and/or the installer is informed appropriately.

[0119] A validation pending state. At any moment during the installation some interlink cables could have been connected to one DFD but not yet to the second DFD. In that state the fully interconnected cable may be shown and the other cable identified as pending. When an installation error has been made and a particular cable was forgotten or damaged during installation, it can be shown where to begin the search for this kind of error.

[0120] A validation error state. As an example port combination code 402 was generated to interconnect DFD d5 to DFD d6 via cable 503 on port 6 and to DFD 4 via cable 502 on port 3. It could be that, in practice, cable 503 was inserted in port 5 of DFD d5 and that is considered a mistake or an error. The system can notify said error directly to the installer with guidance to its proper solution; for example by indicating that the installer should revisit DFD d5 and re-plug the interlink cable 503 from port 5 to port 6. The status of the DFD in the network plan may then be updated accordingly, the DFD may update its local feedback and/or the installer may be informed appropriately.

[0121] Once the system has detected one or more DFDs and one or more interlinks, due feedback may be given to the installer. Several messages may be generated and communicated.

[0122] FIG. 4 discloses an example of a port combination code table, and FIG. 5 discloses an example of a link combination code table.

[0123] Here, it is noted that the example uses an eight port DFD, but the invention can accommodate for DFDs with more ports such as for example but not limited to 12 and 16 port DFDs.

[0124] Consider the port combination code table shown in FIG. 4. Here, the network topology plan is directed to a concept in which DFDs are used having eight ports. Further, in this particular example, each DFD uses two ports for connection to further DFDs. The remaining ports may be used for connection to sensors, actuators and/or lights. The table contains numbers in the 400 range. These numbers constitute the port combination codes. For example, reference number 403 is directly related to a particular DFD in the network topology plan. As such, that particular DFD is identified by the port combination code 403. The port combination code 403 indicates that the ports 102 and 107 should be used for that particular DFD to connected that particular DFD to two further DFDs. The table shown in FIG. 4 does not disclose to which further DFDs the particular DFD should be connected. As shown, the port combination codes are unique meaning that each cell of the table is only used once. Each cell of the table may identify a single DFD in the network topology plan.

[0125] A similar explanation may be provided for the table shown in FIG. 5. Here, the table contains numbers in the 500 range. These numbers constitute the link combination codes. For example, reference number 5 is directly related to a specific cable for interconnecting two DFDs with each other. As such, that particular cable is identified by the link combination code 501. The link combination code 501 indicates that the ports 101 and 108 should be used for that particular cable. The table shown in FIG. 5 does not disclose to which DFDs the cable should be connected. As shown, the link combination codes are unique meaning that each cell of the table is only used once. Each cell of the table may identify a single DFD in the network topology plan.

[0126] An installer may start with the installing of the DFDs in the building once these tables have been generated. The installer should apply the port combination codes to each of the DFDs that are being installed in the building. The installer may use the port combination code in any format provided and start up the DFD. The port combo code may be applied to the DFD in many different ways.

[0127] In a first example, the concept is build into the DFD itself. In an embodiment, the DFD is put in a special learning mode. The installer may then connect a cross cable to the exact ports as stipulated by the port combination code and the DFD may learn the code. The port combination code may be memorized so it can be transmitted on the cable as a signalling message in a later stage. Once the DFD has given feedback that due procedure has been followed, the cross cable may be removed and the proper interlink cables may be connected to the ports as indicated in the network topology plan.

[0128] In a second example, the concept uses a portcombo tool. Here, the DFD may be capable to notify its device and port Identifications, IDs. An alternative example is using an DFD with the capability to notify its DFD ID and its port IDs such as, for example, an OpenFlow Ethernet switch.

[0129] A separate, preferably handheld portcombo tool may be provided and may be interconnected by short path cables between the corresponding ports on the DFD as indicated by the to be applied port combination code. The application is completed by the portcombo tool sending appropriate messages to the DFD for it to send appropriate messages down the cables for recording by the Software Defined Application system. The application system may observe the signal and map that to the ID of the respective DFD where the message came from. Due feedback is generated for either match or mismatch.

[0130] In a further example, the concept uses a portcombo tool using a DFD not able to notify its device and port IDs. Another alternative example will use a DFD without the invention installed and without the capability to notify a DFD ID and port ID. A separate, preferably handheld portcombo tool with display or status signals will be interconnected by short path cables between the corresponding ports of the port combination code. The application is completed by the portcombo tool sending appropriate messages down the cables for recording by Software Defined Application system. The installer may need to confirm that the cables are installed in the correct ports, for example by making a photo with a camera build into the tool and/or confirming a question shown on the display of the portcombo tool. The port combo tool may record this action for alternative, e.g. wireless transmission via the message receiver to the application system. The application system may observe the signal, perform image recognition of the photograph and map that to the ID of the DFD where the message came from. Due feedback may be generated for either match or mismatch.

[0131] FIG. 6 discloses an example of a Data Forwarding Device, DFD, 31.

[0132] The DFD 31 may comprise a plurality of ports which can be used for connecting that particular DFD 31 to further DFDs or to sensors, actuators and/or lights. In this particular situation two ports are used for connecting that particular DFD 31 to further DFDs. These ports are indicated with reference numerals 32 and 33. As such, the port combination code for this particular DFD 31 is deduced from the identifications of the ports with reference numerals 32 and 33.

[0133] FIG. 7 discloses an example of a method in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0134] Here, method 41 of commissioning a wired communication network is disclosed, wherein said communication network is being configured to comprise a plurality of interconnected Data Forwarding Devices, DFDs in accordance with a network topology plan, wherein said network topology plan identifies how said plurality of DFDs are interconnected, and wherein each DFD has a plurality of ports for connecting to one or more further DFDs.

[0135] The method comprises the steps of: [0136] generating link combination codes 42 used to identify cables for interconnections in said network topology plan, wherein each link combination code is based on respective ports to which a respective cable is to be connected;

[0137] characterized in that said method comprises the steps of: [0138] generating unique port combination codes 43 used to identify DFDs in said network topology plan, wherein each port combination code is based on respective ports with which a respective DFD is connected to further DFDs, and wherein said port combination codes are generated such that each DFD in said network topology plan utilizes different sets of ports for said interconnecting; [0139] applying said unique port combination codes 44 to said plurality of DFDs.

[0140] Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfil the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. A computer program may be stored/distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope thereof.

[0141] The algorithms may run on a software defined control system, in the DFD, in the port combo tool or as a virtualized process on any compute unit in communicado with the application control network, either in real time or in store and forward operation mode.