TSN Time Capture Protocol for Latency Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current TSN-configured networks lack a way to monitor and verify message timing, which is crucial for ensuring deterministic and real-time data delivery in time-sensitive applications.
Innovation Solution
A supplemental TSN protocol, referred to as 802D, captures the time at which messages arrive at various points in the network, allowing for monitoring and verification of latency and transmission jitter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Ethernet technology is used for network backbone, then IoT/IIoT connectivity and remote monitoring are enabled, but deterministic real-time data delivery cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network traffic into different priority classes using IEEE 802.1Qbv Time-Aware Shaping, where critical real-time traffic is separated from best-effort traffic. This segmentation allows Ethernet to simultaneously support both IoT connectivity versatility and deterministic real-time delivery for time-sensitive applications through dedicated time slots and priority queues.
2Reliability
If TSN is implemented for deterministic communication, then real-time data delivery is achieved, but a way to monitor and verify timing is missing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through IEEE 802.1Qcc Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP) and IEEE 802.1Qch Latency Measurement, where timing information is continuously measured, reported back to network controllers, and used to adjust scheduling parameters. This closed-loop feedback enables verification and correction of timing deviations in TSN networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary measurement devices and protocol layers (IEEE 802.1Qcc/CN, IEEE 802.1Qch/LM) that act as mediators between TSN communication streams and network management systems. These intermediaries capture timing data, perform measurements, and provide verification capabilities without interfering with the deterministic communication itself.
3Measurement precision
If time stamping is performed at multiple points in the network, then latency monitoring accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes network switches and end stations multi-functional by integrating both TSN communication functions (IEEE 802.1Qbv, IEEE 802.1Qcc) and measurement functions (IEEE 802.1Qch) into single devices. This universality allows time stamping and latency measurement to be performed at multiple network points without adding separate dedicated measurement infrastructure, thereby improving accuracy while controlling complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for monitoring and verifying latency on TSN-configured networks. The disclosure describes a novel and inventive time capture location protocol that supplements existing TSN protocols. This supplemental TSN protocol details a way to capture the time at which a message arrives at various points in a TSN-configured network. The captured times allow for monitoring and verification of TSN based features and their underlying systems, including run-time diagnostics to detect problems and delays.