TSN Link KPI Measurement for Dynamic Protected Windows

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional network elements lack mechanisms to measure wireless link performance specifically tailored to TSN requirements, leading to inefficient protected window durations and inability to adjust based on channel conditions, resulting in suboptimal network performance.

Innovation Solution

Implementing time-sensitive-specific KPI metrics that allow devices to measure and report link performance to a central network configuration entity, enabling dynamic adjustment of protected windows for improved efficiency and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional network elements are used without TSN-specific measurement mechanisms, then device complexity is reduced, but network performance and reliability deteriorate due to inability to measure and adjust link performance

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTSN network performanceVSAvoidmeasurement and reporting mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends existing network element functionalities to perform TSN-specific measurements. Network elements that already handle data forwarding are enhanced to also measure link performance metrics (delay, jitter, packet loss) and report them to the CNC, making these elements multi-functional without adding separate dedicated measurement devices to the network

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where network elements continuously measure link performance and report metrics to the Central Network Configuration entity. The CNC uses this feedback to dynamically adjust TSN parameters such as protected window durations and scheduling policies, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to changing network conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If fixed protected window durations are used in TSN, then scheduling simplicity is maintained, but network efficiency deteriorates due to inability to adapt to varying channel conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork efficiencyVSAvoiddynamic adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms fixed, static protected window durations into dynamic, adjustable time allocations. Network elements measure real-time link performance metrics and report them to the CNC, which continuously adjusts protected window durations based on current channel conditions, ensuring optimal network efficiency whether conditions are good or poor

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the TSN parameter of protected window duration from a fixed value to a dynamically adjustable parameter. Based on measured link performance (delay, jitter, packet loss), the CNC modifies these time allocation parameters to match actual network conditions, improving throughput in good conditions and ensuring reliability in poor conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If TSN protocols are implemented without link performance measurement, then protocol simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different channel conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment to channel conditionsVSAvoidKPI measurement and reporting
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes existing network elements multi-functional by adding TSN-specific KPI measurement and reporting capabilities to devices that already perform standard networking functions. This allows adaptability to channel conditions without requiring separate dedicated measurement devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Network elements autonomously measure their own link performance metrics (delay, jitter, packet loss) and generate reports to the CNC without external intervention. This self-service approach enables adaptability while minimizing additional complexity, as each device monitors and reports its own performance characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12532278B2Methods and apparatus to provide performance measurements in time-sensitive networks
Publication Date: 2026.01.20 INTEL CORP
  • US12532278B2 patent drawing
  • US12532278B2 patent drawing
  • US12532278B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed examples determine a first time corresponding to a start of a window for a data exchange; determine a second time corresponding to a data packet sent during the window; calculate link performance data based on the first time and the second time; and transmit the link performance data to a network configuration entity.