n COMMUNICATIONS AND SECURITY Chasing the next big thing with TSN Control engineers now have more tools than ever to create seamlessly interconnected plants – and the best is yet to come, thanks to TSN (Time-Sensitive Networking). In effect, this technology complements standard industrial Ethernet to offer extremely accurate synchronisation, traffic prioritisation and scheduling. It can handle multiple types of data and their different priorities over a single network infrastructure. As a result, it is possible to share information and generate more holistic business intelligence while reducing cabling requirements, which, in turn, can reduce network complexity, capital expenditure and operational expenses. I can therefore state confidently that the adoption of TSN marks the first, crucial step in the creation of unified network architectures that will serve all types of automation. Even more, the power of TSN to drive convergence will allow engineers to implement many more future-oriented industrial communications technologies, beyond Ethernet. These will provide a path to realising the connected industries of the future as well as creating smart, flexible and proactive supply chains, where all players can share key insights with their partners and end-users. Cable multitasking For example, reducing the number of cables needed to create factory- or enterprise-wide networks will continue and may even lead to completely wireless technologies. These are evolving to support industrial applications in addition to the IT (information technology) world, the consumer market and home automation systems. Expanding the use of wireless technologies in the OT (operational technology) domain, the latest 5G and 802.11 Wi-Fi standards can support ultrareliable, low-latency communications (URLLC) for manufacturing facilities. Adding TSN functions to these can lead to communications with low latency, low jitter and extremely low data losses. TSN-wireless hybrids could be the key to creating network architectures with unprecedented levels of flexibility while increasing data accessibility and availability to support other activities, such as enhanced remote monitoring. It doesn’t end here. While 5G adoption is still underway, work to develop nextgeneration 6G systems has already started. These are expected to support even more applications, such as virtual and augmented reality, AI (artificial intelligence) infrastructures and the metaverse. All of these communications technologies can help companies advance the digital transformation of their businesses and even their entire supply lines. Forward-looking businesses that want to keep up with the latest, most promising trends to drive their competitiveness should look at adopting new frameworks that are compatible with the technology. CC-Link IE TSN, the earliest open industrial Ethernet to combine gigabit bandwidth with TSN functions, offers a platform to support this transition. As well as being the first of its kind, CC-Link IE TSN provides a reliable system using proven protocols and technologies. The open network is already being used in automation devices, allowing users to set up futureproof machines and facilities today. n Time-Sensitive Networking is already unlocking significant opportunities and cutting-edge applications. John Browett, general manager of the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA), looks at how TSN will support future big developments in industrial communications.
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