Network Pre-Scheduling for Heterogeneous TSN and 5G Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing complex wireless communication networks in industrial settings, such as those with Time-sensitive Networking (TSN) and 5G, is challenging due to the need for stringent Quality of Service (QoS) requirements like bounded latency, especially when integrating wired and wireless links, as existing methods struggle to optimize data streams end-to-end effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method that receives cyclic data stream parameters and QoS requirements, along with capability information for both wired and wireless links, determines a pre-schedule to configure network entities, optimizing each data stream by selecting network segments based on usage and bandwidth thresholds, and using gate control lists to prioritize data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired TSN networks are used to achieve bounded latency and service guarantees, then QoS requirements are met, but network flexibility and wireless integration are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines wired TSN networks with wireless networks into a heterogeneous network architecture, allowing the system to maintain the reliability and QoS guarantees of wired connections while incorporating the flexibility and mobility advantages of wireless links. The gateway device acts as an interface that merges these two different network types, enabling end-to-end cyclic data streams to traverse both wired and wireless segments while maintaining service guarantees.
2Reliability
If end-to-end pre-scheduling is implemented across the entire heterogeneous network, then service guarantees are achieved, but computational complexity and calculation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the heterogeneous network into multiple segments, with the gateway device acting as a boundary between wired TSN segments and wireless network segments. Each segment can be scheduled independently, allowing the system to maintain service guarantees through end-to-end pre-scheduling while reducing computational complexity by avoiding the need to schedule the entire network as a single complex unit. The gateway device performs scheduling for its local segment and coordinates with other gateways for end-to-end service.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless links are integrated to provide network flexibility, then adaptability improves, but latency control and QoS management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pre-scheduling of cyclic data streams before actual data transmission occurs. The gateway device determines transmission schedules in advance, allocating specific time slots and resources for wireless transmissions. This preliminary scheduling action allows the system to maintain flexibility through wireless links while controlling latency, as the timing and resource allocation are decided beforehand rather than making reactive decisions during transmission.
4Productivity
If network segments are processed individually for scheduling, then calculation speed improves, but end-to-end optimization may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a scheduling mechanism where the gateway device receives feedback about network conditions, resource availability, and transmission performance from different network segments. Based on this feedback, the gateway adjusts scheduling decisions to optimize end-to-end service while maintaining calculation efficiency. The feedback loop allows segmented scheduling to remain computationally efficient while still achieving end-to-end optimization through iterative refinement of scheduling parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of configuring a network entity that involves receiving a plurality of cyclic data stream parameters and associated QoS requirements, wherein at least one of the plurality of stream parameters characterizes at least a frame arrival of an associated cyclic data stream and associated communication endpoints of a communications network; receiving first capability information characterizing a capability of respective wired links of the communications network; receiving second capability information characterizing a capability of respective wireless links of the communications network; and determining a pre-schedule based on the plurality of cyclic data stream parameters, the associated QoS requirements, the first network capability information (ci1 #1-3), and the second capability information (ci2 #4-5).