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Time-sensitive Networking

Unified network infrastructure to power digital transformation

What Is Time-sensitive Networking?

Time-sensitive Networking (TSN) is a collection of standards that enables deterministic communication over standard Ethernet. As defined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.1 standards, including 802.1AS, 802.1Qbv, and 802.1CB, TSN creates a form of network traffic management that guarantees transmissions happen within a certain latency limit. To make this possible, all TSN devices must synchronize their clocks with each other and use a common time reference to achieve real-time communications for industrial automation and control applications.

Time Synchronization

Based on the IEEE 802.1AS standard, time-sensitive networking, as the name suggests, focuses on establishing a common time reference between all TSN devices within a unified infrastructure. This synchronization forms the foundation of deterministic network communications.

Bounded Low Latency

By adopting the concept of non-negotiable time period allocation for end-to-end transmissions defined by IEEE 802.1Qbv Time-Aware Shaper, the TSN network components ensure deterministic data transmissions with ultra-low latency.

Exceptional Reliability

To implement and maintain all aspects of a deterministic networking environment, a set of components has been defined to ensure optimal reliability and security based on the IEEE 802.1CB standard.

Resource Management

TSN offers resource management and visibility tools that device providers can incorporate depending on network requirements.

TSN Is Driving Digital Transformation

Current trends in manufacturing automation and data exchange, essential components of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and the larger framework of Industry 4.0, rely heavily on digitization. For manufacturers, collecting and processing real-time data from sensors and equipment on the factory floor to make informed decisions can be challenging. TSN bridges the gap between today's fragmented networks and the unified networks of tomorrow. TSN achieves this by enhancing standard Ethernet with standardized, deterministic, and high-performance networking capabilities to enable the seamless integration of various industrial Ethernet protocols into one unified network.

As a result, industrial automation ecosystem players can unlock the full potential of digital transformation, leading to more efficient, adaptive, and intelligent industrial operations.

Transitioning from a complex multi-layered Automation Pyramid to a streamlined, TSN-powered Autonomous Pyramid for improved interoperability, flexibility, and efficiency in industrial automation.

Applications

From industrial automation, to smart manufacturing, to automotive systems, TSN revolutionizes industries by enabling precise, low-latency, deterministic communication over standard Ethernet, providing enhanced performance and reliability for critical applications. Explore the many uses of TSN and how it is driving innovation and efficiency in different industries.

CNC Machines

CNC Machines

A leading manufacturer of industrial machinery leveraged TSN technology to unify and optimize multiple applications in its CNC machinery. By integrating TSN, the network enabled seamless integration of remote I/O and machine vision cameras, ensuring precise data transmissions and reducing maintenance efforts. This upgrade helped the company achieve deterministic communication for critical machine control and enhance scalability. It furthermore improved the efficiency and potential of their advanced machinery.

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Home Appliance Manufacturing

Home Appliance Manufacturing

A home appliance manufacturer faced difficulties with increasing data volumes and struggled to meet performance and precision goals with their existing infrastructure. To address these challenges, they modernized their network by integrating TSN technology into their automated production line. By deploying TSN Ethernet switches, they ensured real-time, reliable, and deterministic network communication. This upgrade improved operational efficiency, reduced production times, and minimized resource use, helping the business achieve both their bottom line and sustainability goals.

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Hydropower Plant

Hydropower Plant

A hydropower plant aimed to upgrade its systems for greater efficiency by integrating multiple control networks. Before, the different systems ran on separate protocols, leading to high maintenance costs and complexity. By adopting TSN technology, the plant unified these networks, achieving high speeds, precise control, and advanced security. This integration enabled real-time communication, improved efficiency, and allowed quick adjustments to power output, resulting in lower costs and improved adaptability.

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Modern Mass Customization

Modern Mass Customization

A product manufacturer aimed to unify their production, assembly lines, and logistics systems to achieve shorter production cycles and lower costs. Leveraging TSN technology, they achieved high-speed networking, precise motion control, and low-latency communication by prioritizing critical network traffic. This transformation enabled adaptive production, mass customization, and operational efficiency, fulfilling diverse market needs and enhancing their Industry 4.0 and IIoT capabilities.

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Frequently Asked Questions About TSN

As industries evolve towards more connected and intelligent operations, TSN is playing an increasingly critical role. Whether you are new to TSN or looking to deepen your understanding, this section addresses common questions and provides insights into how TSN can transform your industrial networking landscape.

TSN enhances standard Ethernet by providing deterministic, low-latency, and low-jitter data transmission capabilities. While Ethernet inherently operates on a best-effort, first-come, first-served basis, TSN guarantees that data is delivered with precise timing. To make this possible, TSN leverages several IEEE 802.1 standards including 802.1Qbv Time-aware Shaper and 802.1AS time synchronization. These characteristics make TSN invaluable in domains like industrial automation, where precise timing is critical.

  • Performance: TSN offers high-speed networking, transmission of large data volumes, highly accurate motion control, and low latency, all of which enhance the performance of your network.
  • Flexibility: TSN is based on standard Ethernet, meaning it supports a broad range of networking devices. Additionally, TSN provides the possibility of adding more advanced applications to your Ethernet network.
  • Reliability: TSN can prioritize network traffic to enable real-time communication and ensure that time-critical data is always delivered to the right place at the right time.
  • Security: TSN can help enhance network security by scheduling time-sensitive data to avoid the influx of non-authorized data.

The convergence of IT and OT systems into a unified network is essential for achieving more streamlined production processes and higher operational efficiency, but integrating these wildly different, isolated systems into a single network is no easy task. However, a unified network offers several unique benefits:

  • Standardized Communication: Using a single industry standard for communication simplifies interactions, ensures compatibility between various systems, and opens up the possibility of adopting advanced applications, such as AI.
  • Better Accessibility: A unified network using one language reduces the need to get familiar with proprietary protocols from different vendors, making it easier for staff to operate and maintain the network.
  • Cost Efficiency: TSN simplifies device and protocol requirements to streamline the network infrastructure, which reduces maintenance and operational costs.

Latest TSN Technology Developments

Stay up to date with the latest TSN technology news and developments. Explore key insights, breakthroughs, and resources that highlight how TSN is advancing industrial networking and shaping the future of communication infrastructure.

Moxa's TSN Ethernet Switches Obtain the World's First TSN Component Certification

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Accelerating Digital Transformation Through Time-sensitive Networking

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How Moxa Can Help With Building TSN Networks

Our TSN switches are designed to meet the demanding needs of modern industrial networks. With advanced features that ensure deterministic communication, low latency, and high reliability, our TSN switches provide the backbone for real-time data exchange in diverse applications. Whether you are looking to upgrade your existing network or build a new one from the ground up, our TSN switches offer unparalleled performance and flexibility.

TSN-G5004 Series

4G-port full Gigabit managed Ethernet switch

TSN-G5004
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TSN-G5008 Series

8G-port full Gigabit managed Ethernet switch

TSN-G5008
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Showcases of Our TSN Switches

Latest TSN Demos Using IEEE 802.1CB Standard and Other Advances

Moxa showcased TSN applications with CLPA, Cognex, ELS, Fraunhofer IPT, Intel, Keysight, Mitsubishi Electric, NXP, OPTEX, port GmbH, Renesas, SumyenAutomation, and Xilinx. Together, these industry players are contributing to the comprehensive TSN ecosystem for unified networks that are paving the way for digital transformation.

See 6 Real-world TSN Applications Powered by Moxa and Partners

Moxa was invited by CLPA and Mitsubishi Electric to Taipei Automation. During the event, Moxa showcased applications with CLPA, Mitsubishi Electric, Intel, port GmbH, Orisol, and Sumyen Automation, to demonstrate a unified network for different automation scenarios.

Simulating a Smart Factory Network With and Without TSN

Real-time communication is crucial for smart factory automation as networks grow in scale and complexity. Let’s see how time-sensitive networking (TSN) realizes deterministic communication in converged applications.

Moxa Drives TSN Development With Our Partners

Moxa is thrilled to be a contributor to Avnu Alliance's pioneering Component Certification Program, the first to certify time-sensitive networking (TSN) capabilities based on IEEE SA's 802.1 standards. As dedicated testing collaborators, Moxa helped translate these standards into test specifications and completed test cases for devices like Ethernet switches, ensuring the program's feasibility.

Moxa is one of the initial members of the OPC Foundation Field Level Communications (FLC) Steering Committee, which focuses on advancing OPC UA and TSN integration at the field level. They oversee the OPC UA TSN ecosystem, ensuring seamless connectivity from sensors to the cloud for unified automation networking.

Joined Testbeds for Technical Compatibility

As part of our ongoing commitment to creating innovative industrial connectivity technologies and solutions, Moxa is collaborating with other industry leaders to rigorously test TSN interoperability and ensure that the developing implementation is stable and reliable before going to market.

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Explore Our TSN Resources

Article

Taking the Proven Benefits of Time-sensitive Networking to the Real World

Article

TSN –The Future Is Now

Article

How TSN Is Scaling Up and Accelerating Digital Transformation for Industrial Automation
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Contact Moxa Experts

Ready to transform your network with TSN? Contact us now and let our experts guide you in building a state-of-the-art TSN network tailored to your needs.

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