What is a Network storm test?
The presence of undesired data and/or undesired behaviour of data on a communications network, demonstrating one or more of the following characteristics / effects:
- Excessive quantities of data, including junk data and recognised data.
- Blocked, impeded and/or intermittent data transmission
- Corrupted, degraded, or malformed data transmission
The effects of a network storm are unpredictable and inconsistent and may increase over time or appear instantaneously.
Copa Solutions offer Networkstorm tests that are independent and compliant with IMCA M 259
Background
There have been a number of high-profile DP events attributed to failure of networks in the past. However, knowledge around the subject of DP related networks and their respective failures remains at the basic level for most stakeholders for example, designers, shipyards, OEMs, operators and those involved in DP FMEA management.
In the figure on the left, you will find an example extract of how a network storm test can be analysed.
The aim of Network storm testing
For DP vessels, the aim of network storm testing is to verify that the systems can identify and tolerate network incidents that may disrupt and / or degrade data communication, whilst containing the impact on vessel positioning/heading capability with the already identified WCF-DI in the vessel FMEA. Copa Solutions offer a unique solution which allows the crew onboard to conduct the testing with a cutting edge piece of hardware that is as simple as plug and play. Alternative solutions involve flying an engineer to the vessel each time a test is to be completed.
A network storm test contains at least the following steps:
