Distributed TSN Nodes for 5G Low Latency Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
3GPP networks currently support only the fully-centralized Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) model, failing to effectively transmit TSN traffic in environments that require the fully-distributed TSN model, which is necessary for applications like audio/video streaming and factory automation that demand low latency and high reliability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method and apparatus that enable support for the fully-distributed TSN model by allowing TSN nodes to determine paths and allocate resources through a stream reservation protocol (SRP), enabling efficient resource management and synchronization in 5G networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fully-centralized TSN model is used, then the network control is simplified and easier to manage, but the network cannot effectively transmit TSN traffic in environments requiring low latency and high reliability for applications like audio/video streaming and factory automation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized control function into distributed control at individual TSN nodes. Each node independently performs path determination and resource allocation based on local information and SRP messages, eliminating the single point of failure and control bottleneck in centralized models while maintaining operational simplicity through automated distributed decision-making
Solution Approach 2:
TSN nodes autonomously determine paths and allocate resources without requiring centralized control. Nodes use the Stream Reservation Protocol to self-configure their forwarding behavior and resource allocation based on traffic requirements, enabling the network to adapt dynamically to changing conditions while maintaining reliability for time-sensitive applications
2Reliability
If the fully-distributed TSN model is implemented, then the network can effectively transmit TSN traffic with low latency and high reliability, but the device complexity increases due to additional protocols and synchronization mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal TSN node design where each node can perform multiple functions: receiving SRP messages, determining paths, allocating resources, and forwarding traffic. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for specialized centralized controllers while maintaining distributed reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The Stream Reservation Protocol incorporates feedback mechanisms where nodes exchange status information and adjust their behavior based on network conditions. This feedback loop enables nodes to automatically adapt to changing network states, reducing the complexity of manual configuration and maintenance while ensuring reliable time-sensitive traffic transmission
3Device complexity
If path determination and resource allocation are performed centrally, then the control process is simpler, but the network cannot respond dynamically to changing conditions and traffic requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path determination and resource allocation at each TSN node based on real-time network conditions and traffic requirements. Nodes continuously adjust their forwarding decisions and resource allocation without requiring reconfiguration of centralized controllers, enabling the network to dynamically adapt to changing conditions while keeping control logic distributed and manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The Stream Reservation Protocol performs preliminary path determination and resource allocation before actual traffic transmission begins. Nodes reserve necessary resources in advance and establish forwarding paths proactively, enabling the network to respond dynamically to new traffic requirements without requiring complex real-time recalibration of centralized control parameters
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and an apparatus for supporting TSN in a wireless communication network are disclosed. The method for supporting fully-distributed time-sensitive networking (TSN) by a user plane function in a mobile communication system includes receiving a first status frame through a user equipment (UE) connected to a first TSN node, the first status frame including at least one of information about the first TSN node, information about a second TSN node for transmitting a data frame, stream information for transmitting data, and accumulated latency information; transmitting an update request for service quality (QoS) setup to a TSN application function (TSN AF) through a PDU session update procedure for the UE based on the received first status frame; and updating the first status frame upon receiving QoS setup information from the TSN AF, wherein the QoS setup information may include at least one of accumulated latency designated by the TSN AF, the status of the first TSN node, and the status of the second TSN node.