In the rapidly evolving landscape of industrial automation, there exists a pressing demand for reliable data transmission. Even in PoE-capable networks, latency and transmission inconsistency can occur, and both are detrimental to time-critical operations.

When combined with PoE, time-sensitive networking (TSN) technology unlocks unprecedented levels of efficiency, reliability, and simplified deployment in network systems. The TSN-5225-4T2S Industrial Managed TSN Ethernet Switch from Planet Technology provides low-latency, real-time network communication for industrial automation, the automotive industry, transportation, and the energy sector, among other industries. 

What is latency?

Latency refers to how fast data moves through a network—the delay in transmission from one point to another within a system. In a practical sense, latency is a measure of the time a user spends ”waiting.” When transmission rates are slow, the culprit is usually high latency.

You can think of latency as the lag or response time of a system. Low latency translates to a faster, more responsive network.

What is time-sensitive networking?

TSN corresponds to a set of IEEE standards that enhance Ethernet to enable deterministic communication in real-time. Crucial in applications such as industrial automation, TSN ensures reliable and predictable network services with bounded latency and low delay variations.

Not a protocol itself, TSN is a collection of standards that build upon Ethernet to provide features such as:

  • Time Synchronization: Devices within a network share a common time reference.
  • Scheduled Traffic: Different types of network traffic can be prioritized to protect critical data streams and ensure their on-time delivery.
  • Frame Preemption: High-priority traffic interrupts low-priority traffic so that time-sensitive data can get through even when the network is congested.
  • Integration with PoE Networks: TSN can be integrated with PoE to provide electrical power and low-latency data communication over a single Ethernet wire. This simplifies deployment in industrial and other time-sensitive environments.

Fostering predictable and low-latency data transmission, TSN makes Ethernet suitable for applications with strict timing requirements, such as professional audio/video and industrial automation.

TSN-5225-4T2S Application

How is TSN used in Power over Ethernet (PoE) networks?

Low latency is essential to ensuring network performance in real-time applications. To encourage low latency in networks, PoE switches can help regulate data flow between network devices that share the same bandwidth. In situations where precise timing and simplified deployments are critical, TSN and PoE technologies can complement each other.

Leveraging TSN

TSN is a set of IEEE 802.1 standards that provide deterministic communication. These standards are used to address latency issues that may arise from poor synchronization in Ethernet networks. Data packets arrive within a guaranteed time frame with high reliability. 

TSN-enabled PoE switches synchronize data across devices to reduce latency.

Incorporating Advanced Ethernet Standards

The latest PoE standards, such as IEEE 802.3bt, provide improvements in data transfer rates, power delivery, and overall network performance. Amendments are included to enhance support for time synchronization protocols that allow for the selection of delay measurement points and sub-nanosecond reporting of data path delays.

Advanced Ethernet standards are vital for future-proofing any business network.

Implementing Network Optimization Techniques

Expanding network capacity with PoE switches helps reduce latency and data collisions. Using Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANS) with PoE switches aids in segmenting network traffic, sending data directly to its intended destination using factors like MAC address, port, and dynamic VLAN assignment. A package switching technique called cut-through switching helps minimize network latency by forwarding packets piecemeal before the switch receives them in full. 

Hardware and Cabling

Older routers and switches used in a network can increase latency and processing time. Upgrading to high-performance equipment helps minimize delays. PoE cabling provides a more stable connection and significantly reduces latency compared to Wi-Fi, which is susceptible to interference. Cat 5e or Cat 6 cables are essential, as legacy cables might degrade signal quality and increase latency.

Real-time Application Optimization

Latency is a critical factor for real-time control systems and automation in industrial Ethernet networks. Minimal latency in image transmission is crucial to avoid errors and missed opportunities in applications like real-time surveillance. To minimize latency in industrial settings, protocols such as EtherCAT (Ethernet for Control Automation Technology) and PROFINET (Process Field Network) are essential.

PROFINET

TSN advancements in addressing the needs of real-time applications, standardization, network optimization, plus cable and hardware improvements, and lower latency in PoE networks.

The TSN-5225-4T2S Industrial Managed TSN Ethernet Switch 

Housed in a rugged IP30 metal case, the TSN-5225-42TS is an industrial-grade Layer 2+ TSN managed switch, offering stable operation in challenging environments. MODBUS TCP/IP Protocol supports easy integration with SCADA systems, HMI systems, and other data acquisition systems on factory floors.

Special features of the switch include:

  • Four 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ45 ports.
  • Two 1G/2.5G BASE-X SFP ports.
  • 6KV DC surge protection.
  • 5KV DC ESD protection.
  • IPv4 and IPv6 software static routing.
  • VLAN.
  • Link Aggregation.
  • Spanning Tree Protocol.
  • IGMP and MLD Snooping.
  • Synchronization.
  • TSN Protocol.

With an operating temperature of between -40ºC and 75ºC, the switch allows for DIN-rail or wall mounting in industrial settings subject to extreme conditions. It provides real-time, low-latency network communication for industrial automation, 5G NR networks, 4K/8K video streaming, Industry 4.0, and VR/AR gaming by using TSN technology and IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTPv2) for time synchronization on all ports.

TSN-5225-4T2S Application Diagram

In industrial automation contexts, the TSN-5225-4T2S enables precise control of the manufacturing process, reducing energy consumption and waste generation. When used in transportation, it can optimize logistics routes and mitigate issues such as traffic congestion and carbon emissions. The TSN-5225-42TS switch eliminates the need for separating operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) PoE networks for a more ubiquitous approach to precision timing and synchronization for modern industrial automation systems.

For efficient management, the TSN-5225-4T2S managed TSN Ethernet switch features a built-in web-based management interface for easy-to-use platform-independent configuration and management. A comprehensive Layer 2 to Layer 4 Access Control List (ACL) enforces security at the edge. Powerful traffic management and QoS features enhance connection services by telecoms and ISPs.

Contact Planet Technology USA today for a quote.