Automation Networks: From Pyramid to Pillar

One way of doing this is to use TSN edge switches to connect end devices to the TSN network. “Of course, determinism will depend on the capabilities of the end device,” said Kleineberg, “But having non-deterministic devices on the network won’t impede the deterministic ones.”

Another approach is to swap out existing protocol masters/controllers with TSN-capable ones. “This approach allows you to keep your end devices as they are,” Kleineberg said. “Using a TSN-capable protocol master/controller, you can port your automation protocols to be transported over TSN. The master synchronizes the protocol schedule with the TSN schedule and allows the automation protocol to be transported seamlessly over TSN. This allows a step-by-step approach to TSN for brownfield plants because they can keep all their existing, protocol-specific devices and just change out the masters. Once that’s done, the devices can be changed out one by one over time. In the meantime, by transporting the automation protocol through TSN, connectivity between old and new devices can be maintained.”

Lund pointed out that, even without having all TSN-capable devices on your network, the plant can still get distinct benefits from having a TSN network in place. Kleineberg explained the reason for this: “Even if the end devices are non-deterministic or not TSN capable, their communications will travel over the TSN network. As the communications from those devices merge onto the TSN network, they will be handled deterministically,” he said.

As exciting as the potential is for TSN, Kleineberg and Lund agree that the technology is currently overhyped. Despite that, both say that real industry interest in it is growing exponentially.

“TSN is currently just a Layer 2 technology; it needs the development of application protocols to advance further,” said Kleineberg. He admits that some pushback against TSN does exist from suppliers that prefer to use proprietary networks. “But the farther those suppliers get away from standard Ethernet, the harder it will be for them,” he said. “End users are very positive about developments like TSN that promise to bring standard networks to the plant floor.”

https://www.automationworld.com/automation-networks-pyramid-pillar