Abstract: An optimization method collects data regarding network topology and traffic flow and creates a network model. The model is analyzed using optimization rules and network performance objectives to determine the optimal configuration of the network according to the network performance objectives. An optimization rule for positioning a shared central resource on the network identifies the communication paths between all clients of the resource and assigns a cost value to the traffic flowing between the clients and the resource. This is repeated for each potential resource position in the network. The position having the lowest traffic cost is the optimal position for the resource. An optimization rule for partitioning network segments determines all possible partitions at the hubs of a segment and scores the performance of each possible partition, according to network performance goals. The hub partition having the lowest score is the optimal hub for partitioning the network segment.

Abstract: A synchronization scheme is used in a peripheral unit controller which consists of two duplicated units whose outputs are matched. In addition, each duplicated unit contains a pair of microprocessors whose outputs are also matched. The synchronization scheme allows each microprocessor to run its own diagnostics independently, and to synchronize itself with the other microprocessor of the pair. After the synchronization occurs in both microprocessor pairs, the duplicated units are synchronized. Synchronization is achieved by using a real-time clock and the interrupt structure of each microprocessor.