Wireless Bridge Flow Clustering for TSN Multiplexing-Aware Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing 5G TSN bridge models fail to exploit the multiplexing capabilities of wireless networks, leading to sub-optimal performance due to the low time granularity of wireless transmission, which is not inherently considered in the current TDMA strategy, resulting in significant performance degradation when internal links capacity is comparable to or worse than the external link capacity.
Innovation Solution
A method for clustering data flows through a wireless bridge by obtaining indicators of sequential and concurrent communication performance, clustering data flows into independent and dependent groups based on a predetermined threshold, and providing a virtual topology to the CNC for improved scheduling and routing, accounting for multiplexing capabilities of the wireless bridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If TDMA strategy is applied to multiplex data flows through the wireless bridge, then time division multiple access is achieved, but the multiplexing capability of the wireless bridge is not fully exploited and performance degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from time-only multiplexing (TDMA) to multi-dimensional multiplexing by introducing frequency dimension (using multiple sub-bands) and space dimension (using multiple antennas) alongside time division. This allows simultaneous transmission of multiple data flows across different dimensions, fully exploiting the wireless bridge's multiplexing capability and eliminating the performance degradation associated with sequential TDMA access.
2Reliability
If low time granularity of 5GS is considered for guaranteed delay computation, then delay guarantees are achieved, but the multiplexing capability of the wireless interface is not utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data flows into multiple groups based on their delay requirements and multiplexing characteristics. Different segments can be transmitted using different time granularities and multiplexing strategies, allowing delay guarantees for critical flows while maximizing throughput for less time-sensitive flows. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between strict delay guarantees and high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of time granularity and multiplexing strategy based on real-time network conditions and flow characteristics. The system can switch between different time slots, sub-bands, and antenna configurations dynamically, allowing the system to optimize between delay guarantees and throughput depending on current load and interference conditions.
3Ease of operation
If internal links are used sequentially due to TDMA on input transport link, then time division is enforced, but concurrent usage of internal links is prevented and bridge capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces frequency and space dimensions as additional multiplexing axes alongside time. By assigning different sub-bands and antenna pairs to different internal links, the system enables concurrent transmission without complex time-slicing, significantly increasing bridge processing capability while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized multiplexing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of multiplexing resources (sub-bands, antenna pairs, time slots) before data transmission begins. This pre-allocation allows internal links to be assigned to specific multiplexing dimensions in advance, enabling concurrent usage without requiring complex real-time scheduling decisions and maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for clustering data flows established through a wireless bridge of a communication system within a time-sensitive network. The method comprises obtaining, at a functional entity of a core network component of the wireless bridge, for a plurality of data flows, indicators of a sequential communication performance and of a concurrent communication performance of each said data flow. The data flows are then clustered based on the obtained indicators, such that two given data flows are independent if the difference between the sequential communication performance and the concurrent communication performance is lower than a predetermined threshold, and are otherwise dependent, any two data flows belonging to two different clusters are independent, and any two data flows of the same cluster are dependent. The invention further relates to a corresponding communication system and a corresponding computer program.