TSN Segment Coordination with Priority Remapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuration of Time Sensitive Networks (TSN) in distributed control systems (DCS) for industrial plants is complex and time-consuming, and existing methods fail to effectively manage congestion and prioritize critical data streams, leading to potential delays and data loss.
Innovation Solution
A method for configuring TSNs with distinct high-importance and low-importance segments, utilizing border network elements to prioritize and remap data streams based on unique priority labels and classes, ensuring critical data streams are forwarded with precedence over less critical ones, especially in congestion-prone areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If TSN configuration is performed manually to ensure proper priority labeling and data stream management, then determinism and reliability of critical data transmission are improved, but configuration complexity and time required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-configuration by automatically discovering network segments, identifying border network elements, and assigning priority labels without manual engineering. Network elements autonomously configure their own priority handling based on detected traffic patterns and segment characteristics, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining reliable critical data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts priority label assignments and data stream classification parameters based on detected network conditions and traffic characteristics. By automatically modifying configuration parameters such as priority queues and forwarding rules, the system achieves reliable operation without manual reconfiguration when network conditions change.
2Reliability
If manual engineering is used to configure TSN segments and priority labels, then determinism of data transmission is improved, but configuration time and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary network discovery and segment identification automatically during initial operation. By pre-configuring priority label assignments and data stream classifications based on detected traffic patterns, the system establishes deterministic data transmission paths before actual data flow begins, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Network elements automatically discover their own positions in the network topology, identify critical data streams, and configure priority handling without external intervention. This self-configuration capability reduces configuration time from days to minutes while maintaining the determinism required for real-time industrial control applications.
3Device complexity
If all data streams are treated with equal priority, then network simplicity is maintained, but congestion handling and critical data prioritization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different priority treatments to different data streams based on their local importance within each network segment. By assigning unique priority labels to critical data streams identified in each segment, the system maintains simple equal treatment at the network level while implementing sophisticated local prioritization for congestion handling and quality of service.
4Reliability
If border network elements remap priority labels between segments, then cross-segment congestion is managed effectively, but label mapping complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Border network elements automatically detect traffic patterns and segment boundaries, then autonomously establish priority label mapping rules without manual configuration. The system self-adjusts remapping strategies based on detected congestion conditions and traffic characteristics, managing cross-segment congestion effectively while keeping the complexity of label mapping internal to the border elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a time-sensitive network (TSN) includes splitting data stream on network elements into a “preempting” class and a “preemptable” class based on a mapping from priority labels; forwarding the data streams to respective next-hop network elements, wherein the forwarding of “preempting” data streams takes precedence over the forwarding of “preemptable” data streams; and forwarding the data streams received from both segments based on the priority labels and the classes of the data streams to at least one next-hop network element; wherein forwarding of “preempting” data streams takes precedence over forwarding of “preemptable” data streams; wherein the priority label attached to the data stream that has the highest priority is different from the priority label attached to the data stream that has the highest priority within the second segment.