TSN—Embracing the Present and Evolving

Timely networking (TSN) is poised to become the upcoming phase in the development of standard Ethernet technology by introducing predictable data transfer, enhanced reliability, and heightened security. While TSN dominates the forefront of the future of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), the inquiry remains as to when this technology will be prepared for implementation in practical deployments. The transition from theory to application signifies the final segment of the puzzle to achieving genuine OT-IT convergence. The initial stride towards achieving a unified infrastructure happened during the 2019 SPS Expo in Nuremberg, Germany. Moxa has closely collaborated with industrial associates from CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) and the OPC Foundation to exhibit actual automation applications driven by TSN.

Strong Partnership With Other Industry Participants

The TSN solution framework is the product of extensive collaboration with other major entities in the sector and provides a cohesive network structure that accommodates both critical and noncritical data transmissions across a genuinely converged network. The cooperative display with Mitsubishi Electric demonstrated a TSN network structure scenario incorporating CC-Link IE TSN devices to support various applications necessitating high-bandwidth, real-time communications, and significant levels of determinism and performance, such as motion control operations.

Critical and non-critical data transmissions over a unified network

Enhanced Industrial Network Management Flexibility

Within the same network, the TSN solution framework also introduced standardized OPC UA over TSN in partnership with B&R Industrial Automation. Through this merger, the TSN solution framework empowers more adaptable industrial network administration alongside standardized OPC UA over TSN for communications across all layers, encompassing controller-to-controller and controller-to-field devices, setting the groundwork for achieving easily deployable adaptable manufacturing.

Controller-to-controller and controller-to-device data exchanges across an integrated network

Moreover, the TSN software supplied by acontis technologies GmbH performs a pivotal function in incorporating edge intelligence into the framework. The TSN software prolongs the real-time transmission capacity up to the application layer while sending and receiving data from the hardware to bring intelligent, predictable networking to edge devices.

TSN software assumes a crucial position in incorporating edge intelligence in the TSN solution framework

Engagement in TSN Interoperability Testbeds

The TSN solution framework is an outcome of extensive collaboration between Moxa and numerous industrial counterparts. Moxa has also been actively engaging in the world’s most notable TSN interoperability testbeds to ensure the technology’s stability and reliability before commercialization. With the unveiling of this framework, Moxa, in conjunction with industry affiliates, are demonstrating that a genuinely unified, highly adaptable automation network structure amalgamating OT and IT is not merely a theory but already a practical reality. For additional insights, peruse our white paper. 

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