Time-Sensitive Networking over 5G: Experimental Evaluation of a Hybrid 5G and TSN System with IEEE 802.1Qbv Traffic

Underpinned by the IEEE 802.1 standards, Time-sensitive networking (TSN) empowers standard Ethernet to handle stringent real-time requirements of industrial networking. TSN and private 5G will co-exist in industrial systems; hence, converged operation of the two is crucial to achieving end-to-end deterministic performance. This work conducts a testbed-based evaluation of a hybrid 5G and TSN system with over-the-air transmission of scheduled real-time TSN traffic (based on IEEE 802.1Qbv standard). The main objective is to bring the dynamics of hybrid 5G and TSN deployments to spotlight. The testbed comprises off-the-shelf TSN and 5G devices and a near product-grade 5G system. The results show the impact of 802.1Qbv parameters and 5G system capabilities on end-to-end deterministic performance. The findings of this study have significance for design and optimization of 3GPP-defined bridge model (black box model) for 5G/TSN integration.