Communication protocol for nodes connected in a daisy chain

摘要

A communication protocol for message delivery in a plurality of nodes connected in a daisy chain arrangement. In an initialization sequence, the nodes are assigned consecutive node numbers such that each node is aware of the maximum number of nodes connected in the daisy chain arrangement. Numbering information comprising node numbers is provided to each node. When the daisy chain arrangement is reconfigured because of addition, deletion, removal of one or more nodes, the nodes are re-numbered and a new maximum number is determined. Updated numbering information is broadcast to each node in the reconfigured daisy chain arrangement. Point-to-point communication between two nodes is effectuated by providing the intended receiver's node number in the message. An acknowledgment message between the receiver and sender is used for confirming message receipt. In broadcast communication mode, the sender monitors acknowledgments or replies from the recipients and if the number of reply messages does not correspond to the current maximum node number, a re-numbering process is effectuated. Thereafter, the sender rebroadcasts the message to insure confirmed delivery to each node in the daisy chain arrangement. <IMAGE> <IMAGE>