TSN Technology
Time-Sensitive Networking 2022 Technology Update
SOURCE: SIEMENS
Industry experts provide their perspective on the development of Time Sensitive Networking (TSN). Learn how global manufacturers can reap the benefits of Industry 4.0, leverage new levels of deterministic performance and capitalize on new connectivity options in pursuit of true IT-OT convergence.
Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) is a foundational technology for smart manufacturing moving forward, and a building block for true converged, IIoT networks. TIME SENSITIVE NETWORKING TECHNOLOGY offers the potential of an unprecedented level of standardized, deterministic performance for factory automation, along with the business benefits of converging multiple network types that separate the OT-IT worlds. For our 2022 TSN Technology Update, IEB reached out to industry experts to get their insights into the development of TSN and their perspectives on the megatrends and applications shaping and enabling development of this important technology. Key technologies to watch include the final emergence of IEC/IEEE 60802 TSN which promises to provide coexistence, higher network utilization and improved configuration tools. OPC UA FX and Wireless TSN have the potential to make factories both more efficient and more transparent. But experts also note that more products and TSN solutions are on the way. We’re just starting to understand how TSN will make an impact on smart manufacturing by delivering higher levels of determinism and performance.
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TSN Toolbox
Emphasis on Quality of Service When asked what technology will be enabling development of Time-Sensitive Networking application solutions and the challenges to more large scale adoption in 2022 and beyond, Günter Steindl, Enterprise Architect at Siemens Digital Industries, said the key is tools for the creation of secured, converged networks offering advanced industrial communications and connectivity. “People should be aware that the Time Sensitive Networking project at the IEEE 802.1 working group had the goal to provide more means for Ethernet quality of service. Thus, TSN is just a toolbox offering more control about the timely behavior of Ethernet,” Steindl told IEB recently. “This toolbox is used by the IEC/IEEE 60802 to provide a secured converged networks to industrial automation. A secured converged networks is the basis for communication and connectivity required by Industry 4.0.”
He added that PROFINET and OPC UA FX are currently being adapted to work with IEC/IEEE 60802 secured converged networks. Hardware and software for bridges and end stations are more and more adapted to support the features required IEC/IEEE 60802 secured converged networks.
Technology highlights
Steindl stated that the TSN toolbox extends the previous existing mechanisms to control quality of service for Ethernet networks. But what are tools without knowledge how to handle them? That’s the reason why the plug & produce support provided by the IEC/IEEE 60802 is the key for the usability. Centralized network controllers configure the stations setting up the secured converged network. Customers are only required to state their quality-of-service requirements for the communication relations. He added that the industrial automation market will adapt the features provided by the TSN toolbox. IEC/IEEE 60802 secured
in d u s t r ial et h er ne t b o o k
04.2022
