Method and computer network for transmitting messages

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for transmitting messages in a computer network of a real-time system comprising components in the form of computing nodes and star couplets. A first group of components sends, relays or receives time-controlled messages according to a communication schedule, and a second group of components does not communicate according to a communication schedule. For example, the computing nodedoes not execute a communication schedule, i.e. the computing nodedoes not send time-controlled messages. Instead, the computing nodereacts to receiving a message-by sending a message-in response. According to the invention, the message-is sent in a time-controlled manner, for example by a star coupler. The computing nodereceives the message-at time-and reacts to receiving the message-by sending the message-at time-to the star coupler. The star couplerreceives the message-at time-. Preferably an upper limit OBS of the maximum time interval between the receiving time-and the sending time-is determined in the computing node. In this way, the star couplercan schedule the relaying time-, at which the message-is relayed in the network, as a time-controlled time. Alternatively, the computing nodereacts by reading a current value from a local sensor, by altering the state of an actuator.