TSN Networking: Unlocking the Infinite Possibilities of Future Networks

TSN Networking and TSN Switch

The industrial internet network needs to have the ability to realize the network interconnection of all elements of people, machines and things in the whole production system and even the whole industria chain, as well as the data exchange of design, research and development, production, management, sales and office. With the further deepening and upgrading of the digitalization and informatization of industrial enterprises, the business types and complexity of related control and information systems in the industrial field are increasing, and the industrial control network and the industrial information network are also showing a trend of integration.

Time-sensitive network technology utilizes Ethernet physical interfaces to take over wired connections within industries. It builds the data link layer for industrial Ethernet based on common standards for transmission. This underlying structure serves as a foundation for merging traditional OT and IT networks. It not only opens up the possibility of breaking the monopoly of one vendor in the industrial sector by breaking closed protocols but also enhances the ability for different industrial equipment to connect and work together.

By overcoming the limitations of a single vendor, this technology improves the versatility and connectivity of industrial equipment. It also lays the foundation for developing new technologies, including big data analysis and intelligent, interconnected systems and machines. This makes the industrial Internet network technology and the entire industrial ecosystem more open and dynamic, allowing for greater innovation and collaboration.

What is TSN

TSN, or Time-Sensitive Networking, is a set of data link layer protocols that were carefully created by the IEEE 802.1 Working Group. These protocols are meant to offer extremely accurate and quick data transmission services. They build on the foundation of traditional Ethernet to make sure that data gets where it needs to go, on time and without any delays.

TSN uses several methods to achieve this, like clock synchronization, data scheduling, and network allocation. Clock synchronization ensures that all devices on the network are working at the same speed, so data can flow smoothly. Data scheduling manages when and how data is sent, to prevent any bottlenecks or delays. And network allocation helps distribute resources evenly, so no part of the network gets overwhelmed.

With TSN, we can build a more reliable, faster, and smoother-running Ethernet. This makes it perfect for applications that need precise and quick data transmission, like in industrial automation or smart manufacturing.

Many countries and organizations are now creating policies and standards to help TSN (Time-Sensitive Networking) grow and be used more often. For instance, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is pushing for real-time Ethernet communication standards to be used in avionics systems. This means that planes and other aircraft will be able to communicate data more quickly and accurately.

At the same time, the European Automotive Industry Association (ACEA) is developing a TSN standard specifically for cars and other vehicles. This will help make sure that the networks in cars work smoothly and efficiently, improving safety and performance. In general, these efforts are aimed at making TSN more widely used and recognized in different industries.

Characteristics of TSN

Time synchronization

TSN has the ability to achieve precise time synchronization for all devices on the network. This means that every device will have the exact same time reference, which is crucial for real-time applications. The IEEE 802.1AS protocol is what makes this possible. It ensures that every node in the network is synchronized and has the same time reference. This helps improve the accuracy and reliability of data transmission in real-time applications.

Deterministic

TSNs have special transmission characteristics that ensure packets are sent at the right time, in the right order, and with good quality. This helps to prevent issues like network congestion and packet loss. These special transmission characteristics are made possible by a set of TSN protocols, including IEEE 802.1Qbv and IEEE 802.1Qci. These protocols work together to make sure that data is transmitted smoothly and efficiently.

Flow control and priority control

TSN offers two types of flow control to ensure smooth and efficient data transmission in the network. First, it uses the IEEE 802.1Qbv protocol to provide time-based flow control. This means that the data flow in the network is controlled both in terms of time and space, guaranteeing that data reaches its destination at the right time and in the right order.

Second, TSN also offers priority-based flow control through the IEEE 802.1Qci protocol. This allows real-time and time-sensitive data to be prioritized for transmission. This means that important data that needs to be sent quickly and accurately is given higher priority over less urgent data.

Together, these two types of flow control ensure that TSN networks can handle a wide range of data transmission needs, from routine communication to critical real-time applications.

Flexibility

TSN is highly flexible and scalable, meaning it can be easily configured and expanded to meet the needs of different application scenarios. This flexibility makes TSN suitable for use in a wide range of areas, including industrial automation, intelligent manufacturing, intelligent transportation, and even airports and aviation. Whether you need a small-scale network or a large-scale system, TSN can be tailored to fit your specific requirements.

Real-time

TSN excels at real-time transmission, which is crucial for high-priority applications that need fast and accurate data delivery. It ensures that critical packets are given top priority when being sent over the network. This real-time transmission feature is made possible through priority control, which allows TSN to prioritize the transmission of important data.

To achieve this, TSN uses the IEEE 802.1Qci protocol for priority-based traffic control. This protocol ensures that both real-time and time-sensitive traffic in the network are prioritized, so they can be sent quickly and efficiently. With TSN, you can be confident that your high-priority applications will receive the data they need, exactly when they need it.

Compatibility

TSN technology follows the standard Ethernet protocol architecture, which means it has great advantages in terms of interconnection and interoperability. It can provide deterministic delay and bandwidth guarantees, while also ensuring standard and open Layer 2 forwarding. This not only improves interoperability but also helps to reduce costs.

Moreover, TSN technology can integrate isolated industrial control networks into the original layered industrial information network and industrial control network. This integration provides technical support for the evolution of these networks towards a converged flat architecture. In short, TSN technology offers a seamless and cost-effective solution for enhancing the performance and scalability of industrial networks.

Security

TSN offers encryption and authentication functions to safeguard your data's security and privacy. This robust security feature makes TSN suitable for use in network communication scenarios that demand a high level of security and confidentiality. Scenarios like toll systems and power systems, where sensitive information needs to be protected, can benefit greatly from TSN's encryption and authentication capabilities.

Smart O&M

The interoperability architecture of TSN technology is based on the SDN architecture. This allows us to flexibly configure, monitor, manage, and optimize our equipment and networks on-demand. This approach helps us achieve the goal of intelligent network operation and maintenance.

Currently, a series of standards are being developed to enhance the control plane of these networks. These standards are focused on developing protocols that can improve the configuration, dynamic configuration, and management of Layer 2 networks. This, in turn, provides flexibility to the entire industrial network, making it easier to configure and maintain.

In summary, by leveraging the SDN architecture and developing control plane-related protocols, TSN technology is enabling intelligent network operation and maintenance, while also providing flexibility and scalability to the industrial network.

TSN Industrial Switches From Maiwe

MAIWE has realized the application of TSN technology switches, with a single-hop delay of less than 10us, jitter of less than 300ns, support for multi-level clock synchronization, and support IEEE802.1Qbv, IEEE802.1Qbu, IEEE802.1Qci, IEEE802.1CB and other protocols.