Timing analysis of a multiple logical ring wired/wireless PROFIBUS network

Recently, there have been a few research efforts towards extending the capabilities of fieldbus networks to encompass wireless support. In previous works we have proposed a hybrid wired/wireless PROFIBUS network solution where the interconnection between the heterogeneous communication media was accomplished through bridge-like interconnecting devices. The resulting networking architecture embraced a Multiple Logical Ring (MLR) approach, thus with multiple independent tokens, to which a specific bridging protocol extension, the Inter-Domain Protocol (IDP), was proposed. The IDP offers compatibility with standard PROFIBUS, and includes mechanisms to support inter-cell mobility of wireless nodes. In this paper we advance that work by proposing a worst-case response timing analysis of the IDP.