Implementation of a distributed control system using real-time operating system

In a typical distributed control system, computer nodes communicate through a common communication channel that introduces data loss and random delays. Supplying a generic solution to these constraints is hard due to the complexity and large variety of possibilities that may affect these constraints in real life applications. In a modern communication network, if data is corrupted during transmission, it can be resent. However, it is not feasible to retransmit in control applications; if the packet contents correspond to measured plant outputs, then the most recent data should be measured and sent instead, or if the packet contents correspond to a control signal and the retransmission would cause the control signal to be applied late to the plant, it would be better to recalculate the signal and send it again. This thesis is an attempt to implement a distributed control system design method, Model Based Predictive Networked Control System (MBPNCS), which accepts the fact that arbitrary delay and data loss may happen. The MBPNCS method approaches the problem by using a plant model to predict a predefined number of future states of the plant and respective control signal for each, to compensate for the possible delay and data loss that can take place during the communication between nodes. In this work, after previous works have been examined, predictive control method that is used in the implementation is introduced. Design and implementation of the methodology is explained in detail and results of the tests are presented

A report on IPv6 deployment activities and issues at Sandia National Laboratories:FY2007.

Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) has been a mainstay of the both the Internet and corporate networks for delivering network packets to the desired destination. However, rapid proliferation of network appliances, evolution of corporate networks, and the expanding Internet has begun to stress the limitations of the protocol. Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) is the replacement protocol that overcomes the constraints of IPv4. As the emerging Internet network protocol, SNL needs to prepare for its eventual deployment in international, national, customer, and local networks. Additionally, the United States Office of Management and Budget has mandated that IPv6 deployment in government network backbones occurs by 2008. This paper explores the readiness of the Sandia National Laboratories network backbone to support IPv6, the issues that must be addressed before a deployment begins, and recommends the next steps to take to comply with government mandates. The paper describes a joint work effort of the Sandia National Laboratories ASC WAN project team and members of the System Analysis & Trouble Resolution, the Communication & Network Systems, and Network System Design & Implementation Departments