Ethernet is increasingly becoming the technology of choice for the transmission of data between devices on copper and optical physical media. Ethernet is also valued and used in numerous industries because of its speed, affordable cost, and versatility. In sync with increased adoption, Ethernet standards have evolved to meet increasing needs to transmit more data faster. However, in addition to speed, a key performance factor – determinism – is driving the adoption of time-sensitive networking (TSN) technologies. TSN is making Ethernet bridged networks deterministic by design – guaranteed data transport with bounded low latency, low delay variation, and extremely low loss. Currently, we find ourselves at a technology crossroad: is it time to transition away from old technology and adopt Ethernet/TSN solutions?
The industrial sector is a key driver and adopter of Ethernet/TSN solutions as enterprises continually seek efficiencies, easier management, and cost-effectiveness to demanding industrial systems – including factories with sophisticated robotic systems which are highly dependent on precise timing and redundancies to enable smooth running systems with little downtime. The operational technology (OT) networks can benefit from Ethernet/TSN solutions to achieve fast, deterministic, and robust communication. While there are multiple field bus solutions available, TSN can help standardize real-time Ethernet across the industry. IEEE 802.1 TSN is a core enabler of the smart factory of cyber-physical systems. TSN provides connectivity and real-time quality of service to time and mission-critical industrial applications on converged networks of operations technology and information technology and converging multiple independent applications in one network, enabling real-time communication on the same infrastructure (cables, bridges). It provides interoperability via open standards. TSN provides synchronization and supports real-time communication, for example, closed-loop control over a single standard Ethernet network.
In the automotive and aerospace industries, bus harnesses are giving way to Ethernet/TSN. In both industries, Ethernet/TSN is ideal to support systems which require that require high-bandwidth and low-latency. While innovation in both industries is robust, the automotive industry is a notable adopter of Ethernet/TSN technology to support the increasing demands and requirements of all vehicles, but especially autonomous systems packed with sensors and processors.
Adoption and evolution of TSN
Most system managers recognize that now is the time to adopt Ethernet with TSN as the demand for wireless solutions is upon us. As Ethernet/TSN continues to gain interest and use across multiple industries, demand for an increasing number of profiles – the selection and use of TSN tools for specific applications – is also increasing.
At IEEE SA, the TSN Working Group is focused on a number of initiatives. Two areas of study, among many, are noteworthy:
- Cut-Through Forwarding (CTF) is a recent TSN application that many think it is necessary for industrial automation use cases. While there are already priority queuing mechanisms, takes prioritization one step further. CTF is a known method to improve the delay in performance in bridged Ethernet networks by starting the forwarding process before the entire frame has been received. For systems using CTF, a specialized Ethernet is needed.
- YANG Data Models are used to support new and next-generation network management systems and to address issues related to Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), Software-Defined Networking (SDN), cloud-based control, fault management, network security and more. Yang Data Models are enablers of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and AI-based networks. Automated provisioning of network systems and nodes have become the norm, and YANG has emerged as the best choice for configuration and control within all types of networks. The IEEE 802.1 Working Group is committed to facilitating the ongoing development and adoption of YANG standards and amendments. Current focus includes enhancements to queuing mechanisms and hot standby, a redundancy for packet timing.
Learning opportunities
IEEE SA’s TSN Webinar Series is offers live and on-demand viewing opportunities, including the following:
- IEEE P802.1DG: Evolving the In-Vehicle Network from Audio/Video Bridging (AVB) to TSN
- IEC/IEEE 60802TM: The Case for the Converged Network in the Factory of the Future
- TSN to the Fore of the Transition to 5G with IEEE 802.1CM™
- IEEE 802.1 TSN Webinar: Audio/Video Bridging
- The Transport and Impact of Synchronization in Time-Sensitive Networking - An Introduction to IEEE 802.1AS
- Driving Digital Transformation through IEEE 802.1 TSN - An Overview of Time-Sensitive Networking
- The Impact of Time-Sensitive Networks - An Introduction to IEEE 802.1
IEEE Standards Association (IEEE SA) is developing a Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) tutorial course for release in early 2024. The course will define what TSN is and the significance behind it. More information will be announced in early 2024.
Join the TSN working group
As TSN continues to gain interest and use across multiple industries, so does the demand for an increasing number of profiles – the selection and use of TSN tools for specific applications.
Join us in this initiative! The IEEE 802.1 Working Group welcomes participants from academia, government, and industry. We invite those interested in the noted application spaces or in new ones. For more information or to join the standards activity, please visit the TSN webpage and follow our latest news.
