Avnu Alliance® White Paper

Wireless TSN –
Definitions, Use Cases
& Standards Roadmap
Version #1.0 – Mar 4, 2020

Author
Dave Cavalcanti (Intel Corporation)

Contributors
Stephen Bush (General Electric Company)
Marc Illouz (L-Acoustics)
Genio Kronauer (L-Acoustics)
Alon Regev (Keysight Technologies, Inc.)
Ganesh Venkatesan (Intel Corporation)

Executive Summary
Recent advances in 5G and IEEE 802.11 wireless connectivity technologies in
providing low latency and high reliability have generated significant interest in
extending TSN capabilities over wireless. Wireless communication systems are
beneficial for many obvious reasons, including enabling flexibility and reducing
wiring costs as well as enabling mobility. However, given the stochastic nature
of wireless communications, enabling TSN capabilities that are interoperable
and compatible with existing wired TSN standards is challenging. This white
paper introduces the basic terminology, use cases, and standards for extending
TSN capabilities over wireless networks.
 About Avnu Alliance
The Avnu Alliance is a community creating an interoperable ecosystem of
low-latency, time-synchronized, highly reliable networked devices using
open standards. Avnu creates comprehensive certification programs to
ensure interoperability of networked devices. The foundational technology
enables deterministic synchronized networking based on IEEE Audio Video
Bridging (AVB) / Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) base standards. The
Alliance, in conjunction with other complimentary standards bodies and
alliances, develops complete solutions in professional AV, automotive,
industrial control and consumer segments.

© 2020 by Avnu Alliance. All rights reserved. Avnu™, Avnu Alliance®, and
Avnu® design and logos are trademarks and of the Avnu Alliance. All other
names and logos are trademarks and/or service marks of their respective
owners. Specifications and content subject to change without notice.

THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITH NO WARRANTIES

WHATSOEVER, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY. Avnu Alliance
MAKES NO GUARANTEES, CONDITIONS OR REPRESENTATIONS AS
TO THE ACCURACY OR

CONTAINED HEREIN. Avnu Alliance disclaims all liability, including

liability for infringement, of any proprietary or intellectual property rights,
relating to use of information in this document. No license, express or
implied, by estoppel or otherwise, to any proprietary or intellectual property
rights is granted herein.

2
Introduction relevant capabilities and roadmap of features to
enable TSN extensions over wireless.
The main purpose of this document is to introduce
Section 4 – Conclusion and considerations
the basic terminology, use cases, and standards for
for the future: Wireless-specific considerations
extending TSN capabilities over wireless networks.
and gaps in current TSN standards and operation
As described in a previous Avnu white paper [1],
models are discussed as well as areas for
wireless communication systems are beneficial for
enhancements.
many obvious reasons, including enabling flexibility
and reducing wiring costs as well as enabling
mobility. However, given the stochastic nature of Section 1: Defining Wireless
wireless communications, enabling TSN capabilities TSN
that are interoperable and compatible with existing
wired TSN standards is challenging. Recent The IEEE 802.1 Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN)
advances in 5G and IEEE 802.11 wireless task group develops standards for achieving accurate
connectivity technologies in providing low latency time distribution and timeliness with high reliability
and high reliability have generated significant for time-sensitive streams, even in the presence of
interest in extending TSN capabilities over wireless. background traffic. A more detailed description of
TSN standards can be found in [2]. Although a few of
The motivation for this white paper is to generate the IEEE 802.1 standards exist for wireless, most
awareness and start defining work required in Avnu
to enable wireless TSN extensions in alignment with
wired TSN systems and operation models. The
expectation is that this document will serve as an
introduction to the applications, meeting wireless
technologies, standards and open technical and
market adoption challenges in extending TSN to
wireless applications. This document will also serve
as input to potential future Avnu work enabling
evaluation, testing and certification of products that
enable TSN extensions from wired to wireless
domains.

The remainder of the document is organized as

follows:

Section 1 – Defining Wireless TSN: Provides

definitions and the terminology used to describe
extensions of TSN capabilities to wireless.

Section 2 – Use-Cases for Industrial, Pro AV,

and others: Describes examples of use cases that
can directly benefit from wireless and summarizes
their main requirements.

Section 3 – Wireless TSN technology deep-

dive: Focuses on the two main wireless
technologies, IEEE 802.11/Wi-Fi and 5G, their

3
 Figure 1: Example of a Wireless TSN domain in centralized TSN operation model.

implementations, market-specific profiling, Avnu Best Practices for TSN-enabled industrial

interoperability testing and certification efforts -- systems [3]. In the Professional Audio and Video
which are enabled by Avnu -- have focused on (Pro AV) market, a distributed network architecture
Ethernet as the main transport media. As TSN-
enabled devices and networks start to be deployed, is used in which TSN capabilities are configured and
enabling extensions of similar capabilities over managed using distributed protocols. In the
wireless is a natural next step. distributed Pro AV architecture, the CNC is not
present, and the CUC is replaced by the AVDECC
It is envisioned that TSN-enabled networks will Controller.
extend from wired (Ethernet) to wireless domains.
In the context of this document, the term “Wireless The 802.1 TSN family of standards can be grouped
TSN” is used to refer to a wireless network that into four main areas, most of them directly related a
extends IEEE 802.1 TSN capabilities over wireless performance vector:
media. Figure 1 illustrates the concept of a Wireless
Time Synchronization: the 802.1AS standard
TSN domain extending a wired TSN-enabled
defines a profile of the IEEE 1588 Precision Time
network. The Wireless TSN links can enable wireless
Protocol (PTP) to distribute time across the network.
access to end devices and connect wired TSN
Time synchronization between hosts and network
networks, as illustrated in Figure 1. The architecture
devices can be used by the application and by other
in the figure is an example of a centralized TSN-
TSN capabilities (e.g. Time-Aware 802.1Qbv
enabled network deployment, as described in the
Scheduling).

4
Bounded Latency: Providing bounded latency is Table I: IEEE 802.1 TSN Standards
one of the main features of a TSN-enabled network.
Several 802.1 standards have been defined to enable IEEE Standard Capability
queuing management, gating and traffic shaping
1588, 802.1AS Time synchronization
(802.1Qav, 802.1Qbv) to ensure time-critical packets
receive priority as they are being forwarded through
802.1Qca * Path control and reservation
the network. Frame preemption, defined by
802.1Qbu and 802.3br for Ethernet, provide low 802.1Qav † Credit-based traffic shaping
bounded latency while increasing the efficiency of
the network. 802.1Qbv* Time-aware scheduling

Reliability: The bounded latency performance 802.1Qbu* and Frame preemption

must be delivered with very high reliability. The 802.3br
TSN-enabled network must ensure every packet is
delivered within a given latency bound with no 802.1Qcc Configuration models
packet losses and delays due to congestion. In
addition, to account for device failure and/or media 802.1Qci* Filtering and policing
errors, packet replication and elimination
802.1CB Redundancy (frame
capabilities were also defined (802.1CB) to enable
replication and elimination)
redundant links and paths.
802.1Qat* Stream Reservation Protocol
Resource Management: Configuring the TSN
(distributed resource
capabilities and managing the network and device
reservation)
resources is fundamental to assure end-to-end
performance for time-critical flow across the
network in presence of other traffic flow. By
managing the resources in each node, the availability
Section 2 – Use-Cases for
of buffers and timing of transmission can be
guaranteed and the TSN latency and reliability goals Industrial, Pro AV, and
can be assured. Therefore, several network
others
management models, and protocols have also been
defined (e.g. 802.1Qcc, 802.1Qca, 802.1Qat, …). The This section describes a few examples of applications
main 802.1 TSN standards are listed in Table I. that can directly benefit from TSN capabilities over
wireless due to higher flexibility/reconfigurability,
The remainder of this document focuses on the
mobility and reduced maintenance costs. The use
extension of the main 802.1 TSN standards to
cases described in this section (Table 2) do not
wireless technologies. Not every wireless technology
constitute a comprehensive list; rather they
is capable of supporting TSN features. Therefore,
represent only a few examples relevant to Avnu
given the recent advances and features available in
activities and markets. Detailed descriptions of
IEEE 802.11/Wi-Fi and 5G standards, only these two
wireless use cases and requirements have been
technologies are considered as candidates to enable
published by several industry organizations [5] and
TSN-grade performance in this document.
standards groups [6][7][8].

* Incorporated into IEEE 802.1Q-2018 † Incorporated into IEEE 802.1Q-2011

5
 Figure 2: Wireless Use Cases in Industrial

Industrial Use Cases Use cases related to control of Power Grid

The industrial segment has the most diverse set of components have also been described in the IETF
use cases and requirements for wireless TSN. This DetNet group [8]. One unique aspect to be
segment has received significant interest and has considered in some electrical power grid systems is
motivated the development of the 5G Ultra-Reliable the required coverage area, which may vary from
Low Latency Communications (URLLC) mode. local (e.g. substation) to wide areas (distribution and
Several industrial use cases have been captured in transmission). Industrial control systems require the
detail by 3GPP [6], 5G ACIA [5], and IEEE 802.11 [7] highest level of determinism and reliability and rely
standard groups. Closed loop control is one of the exclusively on IEEE 802.1Qbv for scheduling.
most widely applicable use cases given its generic
control loop model (input + compute + actuation), Pro AV Use Cases
but specific latency and reliability requirements Professional Audio and Video (Pro AV) use cases can
varies significantly depending on the application. also benefit from wireless technologies. In many Pro
Mobile robots are also an important use case as AV scenarios, cabling is complex and costly. On a
wireless is fundamental for mobility and flexibility typical tour, several kilometers of Ethernet cables
and reconfigurability of tasks and routes. Mobile are needed and are transported from venue to venue
robots’ latency and reliability requirements are for a total of 60-100 shows. Most issues arise from
compatible with capabilities of the latest wireless defective cable connections, which are hard to
technologies. A few industrial use cases are identify. Replacing cables with wireless connection
illustrated in Figure 2. can significantly reduce the overall cost of
deployment and operation of Pro AV systems.

6
Figure 3 illustrates the main components in a Pro applications also share some of the same
AV system for a live performance scenario. requirements for bounded latency and low jitter.
Depending on the Pro AV application, a combination
of wired and wireless networks may be used. Potential future use cases for wireless
Currently, UHF bands are used in professional Other use cases that require TSN-enabled networks,
wireless audio links with highly specialized RF such as automotive and transportation applications,
solutions. However, as dedicated spectrum resources may also benefit from wireless. For instance, the
become scarce, there is significant interest in wiring harness within vehicles, airplanes, and trains
leveraging standards-based wireless connectivity add significant production costs. If wireless
technologies, especially solutions such as 5G URLLC technologies can provide the required time-sensitive
given the promised latency and reliability media performance, it would bring value to such
performance. systems. However, due to stringent latency, safety
requirements and regulations, use cases that have
Low Latency Interaction Use Cases safety critical requirements are beyond the scope of
Emerging real-time applications that may also this document and the current wireless standards in
benefit from wireless TSN capabilities are gaming 802.11 and 5G. Use cases that require under 100
and augmented/virtual reality. microsecond level cycle times are also considered

Figure 3:Example ProAV scenario for live performance.

These applications were described in detail in the out of scope for wireless. Such use cases may be
IEEE 802.11 Real Time Applications (RTA) report considered in the future as wireless technologies
[7]. High latency and jitter cause lag, which evolve.
significantly degrades use experience. AR/VR

7
 Table 2: Example Use Cases

Use case Description Benefit of Main KPIs

wireless

Closed Synchronous communications Flexibility of IEEE 1588 synchronization

Loop between sensors, PLCs deployment, Typical packet size: small (20 -50
Control (Programmable Logic reconfigurability, Bytes)
Controllers) and actuators. Used mobility,
in various industrial maintenance cost Bounded latency: application
applications. reduction dependent (1 – 10 ms)

Reliability: 99.9 to 99.9999%

Power Grid Communication links used to Wire replacement, IEEE 1588 synchronization
selectively isolate faults on high maintenance cost Typical packet size: small
voltage lines, transformers, reduction
reactors and other important Bounded latency: 4 – 8 ms (for 60Hz
electrical equipment. lines) for the most critical messages
(IEC 61850)

Reliability: 99 to 99.9%

Mobile Communication between mobile Mobility and Typical packet size: 15 Bytes to
Robots robots, automated guided reconfigurability 150Kbytes
vehicles (AGV), and guidance Bounded latency: 10 – 100 ms
control including process data,
video/image, and emergency Reliability: 99 to 99.9%
stop.

Pro AV Conference rooms, live Cable replacement, IEEE 1588/802.1AS synchronization

performances (medium and maintenance cost
large venues). reduction and Packet size range: 68 to 1522 Bytes
improved fault-
Data rate: 6.144Mbps per audio
tolerance
channel @ 192KHz

Bounded latency: 0.25 – 2 ms

Reliability: 99.99%

Potentially hundreds of end points in

the same network

8
Section 3 – Wireless TSN Therefore, it is expected that some of the TSN
standards need to be aware of the basic
technology deep-dive characteristics of the underlying communication
links (wired or wireless).
Given the benefits and advances in wireless
connectivity technologies, it is a natural step to The broadcast nature of the wireless medium is
consider the extension of TSN capabilities to another important aspect to be considered. On one
wireless media. As illustrated in Figure 1, it is hand, it may open up the possibility to reach more
envisioned that the transition to wireless will be devices with a single transmission. On the other
gradual. Initially, a wired TSN-enabled network will hand, it is more susceptible to interference.
be extended to the wireless domain in order to Therefore, coordinated medium access is very
support the use-cases where wireless provides clear important as well as resilience to interference.
benefits.
Although most of the TSN standards and solutions
In order to leverage the IEEE 802.1 TSN standards developed so far are based on Ethernet, some of the
and ecosystem developed around them, it is fundamental TSN capabilities, such as 802.1AS-
important to enable seamless operation and based time distribution, have already been extended
interoperability from wired to wireless TSN to operate over 802.11 and integration with 5G
domains. This section discusses some of the standards is also being developed. The remainder of
challenges in mapping TSN capabilities to wireless this section provides an overview of the existing
as well as the progress in wireless standards to 802.1 TSN standards and capabilities that can
support and integrate with TSN standards. operate over wireless (802.11 and 5G) and ongoing
efforts in expanding the wireless TSN capabilities.
Mapping TSN capabilities to wireless
IEEE 802.1 TSN standards are defined to operate IEEE 802.11/Wi-Fi Capabilities and TSN
over IEEE 802 LAN (MAC/PHY) transport. Ethernet support
(802.3) has been the main LAN transport option Given that 802.11 is one of the 802 LAN transport
assumed in most of the 802.1 TSN standards. The options, the extension of 802.1 TSN protocols over
unique characteristics of wireless media and 802.11 is by default well-aligned with the overall
communication protocols impose several challenges TSN reference architecture [9]. Nevertheless,
to achieving TSN-grade performance. A detailed extensions of the 802.1 TSN protocols need support
discussion on wireless TSN challenges can be found of the 802.11 MAC/PHY to properly operate. This
in [9]. The fundamental differences between wireless section describes some of the standards that have
and wired (Ethernet) communications are: already been developed for extending TSN over
802.11 and some of the recent advances (e.g.
1) The variable capacity of wireless links, which 802.11ax) and ongoing efforts (e.g. 802.11be) to
is a function of the environment and further extend TSN capabilities available over
communication protocol choices; 802.11.
2) The Packet Error Rate (PER) is typically
higher in wireless due to the stochastic
nature of the channel and interference.

TSN capabilities such as bandwidth reservation and

scheduling are very effective in providing low
latency/jitter over Ethernet. When applied to
wireless media, such capabilities need to consider
the wireless link characteristics (e.g. achievable data
rates and PER), which may vary over time.

9
Time Synchronization (802.1AS) over 802.11 traffic classification mapping from wired to wireless
domains.
Time synchronization is a fundamental TSN
capability, which is used by TSN-enabled Once time-sensitive traffic is identified, delivering
applications and to enable other TSN capabilities the required bandwidth and latency across the
(e.g. Time-Aware scheduling). The IEEE 802.1AS network is the next challenge. Several traffic shaping
standard defines a profile of IEEE 1588 for 802.3 mechanisms have been defined by the 802.1 TSN
and 802.11 networks. 802.1AS used the 1588 as the working group for meeting bandwidth and latency
basis to define a generalized PTP (gPTP) and it also requirements. The credit-based traffic shaping
defined select configuration options available from (802.1Qav), originally defined for audio/video
1588. The extensions to distribute time over 802.11 systems, and time-aware traffic scheduling
are enabled by the Timing Measurement (TM) and (802.1Qbv) are the main options used in current
Fine Timing Measurement (FTM) capabilities (wired) TSN-enabled networks.
included in the IEEE 802.11-2016 standard. Figure 4
illustrates the distribution of a single reference time Given that traffic streams can be uniquely identified
between wired (Ethernet) and wireless (802.11) TSN from Ethernet to Wi-Fi domains, it is possible to
enabled by the 802.1AS extensions over 802.11 as apply traffic shaping mechanisms to 802.11 networks
defined in the 802.11-2012 specification. if such mechanisms are configured appropriately for

Figure 4: 802.1AS over 802.11 – TM frame exchange.

Traffic classification, shaping and scheduling operation on top of the 802.11 MAC/PHY.
over 802.11
For instance, the concept of 802.1Qbv time-aware
In addition to time synchronization, another scheduling can be applied over the 802.11 MAC to
fundamental TSN capability is the ability to identify prioritize traffic and avoid congestion delays. A time-
and differentiate time-sensitive traffic streams. IEEE aware schedule must consider the feasible data rates
802.1Q-2014 defines the mechanisms to classify that can be achieved across each wireless link as well
time-sensitive streams and differentiate them from as overhead due to medium access procedures.
other traffic across the TSN-enabled nodes and end Therefore, the minimal latency bounds as well as
stations. The 802.1Q traffic classification is based on number of traffic streams that can be supported over
the concept of VLAN tag. Traffic specification and an 802.11 TSN link will differ from a wired
classification mechanisms defined in the IEEE (Ethernet) TSN link. A discussion on time-aware
802.11-2016 specification (TSPEC and TCLAS) scheduling over 802.11 can be found in [7].
support VLAN tag traffic stream differentiation as
defined in the 802.1Q, therefore enabling seamless

10
One of the main challenges in mapping traffic
shaping mechanisms to 802.11 is the random delay
introduced by the traditional medium access
procedure, CSMA/CA (Carrier Sense Multiple Access
Collision Avoidance), used in previous 802.11
standards. The scheduling capabilities introduced in
the IEEE 802.11ax specification (Wi-Fi 6) enables
the AP to trigger (schedule) communications for the
802.11 devices in the network. When combined with
OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple
Access) and MU-MIMO (Multi-user Multiple Input Figure 5: 802.11ax Trigger-based scheduling
Multiple Output) capabilities, the trigger-based
operation allows scheduling of simultaneous Given the new scheduling capabilities in 802.11ax, it
transmissions from multiple devices more is feasible to provide latency bounds with high
efficiently. This new capability can eliminate latency reliability with 802.11ax in a managed network
issues caused by competing devices trying to access environment. As described in [10], 1 msec latency
the medium, therefore enabling a scheduled bound with 99.999% reliability can be achieved with
operation with low latency bounds and high the proper configuration and latency-optimized
reliability. scheduling capability.

The credit-based (802.1Qav) traffic shaping In addition to scheduling capabilities, 802.11ax also
mechanism may also be extended to 802.11TSN includes support for operation at the new 6GHz
standards extended over 802.11. Integration of band, which is expected to be opened for unlicensed
credit-based traffic shaping with 802.11ax use by the Federal Communications Commission
scheduling would require periodic transmission (FCC) in the U.S. and other organizations around the
opportunities to achieve a given bandwidth defined world. The 6GHz operation is a key capability as it
by the 802.1Qav mechanism. adds almost 1GHz of new spectrum, which will not
be subject to interference from legacy 2.4GHz and
Figure 5 shows the basic 802.11ax Trigger-based 5GHz devices.
scheduling sequence. The number of users that can
be supported in a single frame transmission varies TSN support and integration in next-
with the channel bandwidth used (Wi-Fi can operate generation 802.11be
with 20, 40, 80, 160 MHz, and 320 MHz support
The next major Wi-Fi release after 802.11ax is
will be enabled the next generation 802.11be
already being defined by the 802.11be Task Group.
specification). The lowest latency achievable also
Addressing worst-case latency and jitter
depends on the modulation and coding scheme
requirements, as well as enabling better integration
(MCS) selected. For a simple 20 MHz operation, up
with 802.1 TSN standards, is part of the scope of the
to 9 users can transmit simultaneously and the
802.11be project.
whole exchange can take approximately 700
microsec for a 100Bytes data packet. Lower latencies The 802.11be specification is expected to be
and/or higher capacity can be achieved with wider completed around 2023, and the main new features
channel bandwidths. that can be leveraged to achieve TSN performance
goals are: wider bandwidth (320 MHz), multi-
link/channel operation, multi-AP coordination, and
priority access for time-sensitive streams. Multi-
link/channel operation can enable isolation of time-
sensitive traffic from other network traffic, helping
reduce congestion. Multi-AP capabilities can be used

11
to improve reliability, for instance, by leveraging [12]. The TSN time domain information is
spatial diversity gains to enable multiple APs to distributed between the TT functions in the network
improve the reliability of the links. and device sides using the 802.1AS standard
protocol. The 5GS is not synchronized with the
TSN capabilities integration with 5G external TSN domain, but it can keep the internal
The 3GPP Rel-16 [11] started to introduce TSN network elements synchronized with its own 5G
support over 5G and more work is expected to clock so that the 802.1AS messages are timestamped
continue in the 3GPP Rel.17 specification. Different correctly at the TT functions and any 5G specific
from 802.11, the 5G system is not a native 802 LAN time corrections are applied. The 3GPP Rel-16
technology, and as such cannot be directly integrated architecture for integration of TSN time
with Ethernet TSN standards at Layer 2. Therefore, synchronization [12] is shown in Figure 7. Future
the 3GPP approach to integration is an over-the-top work in 3GPP Rel-17 is expected to include support
one where TSN-related functionality is confined to for the case where the TSN Grand Master resides on
TSN Translator (TT) functions at the 5G System the side of the 5G device (UE).
(5GS) ingress and egress points. This approach has
minimal impact on the RAN specification. The 3GPP URLLC
Rel-16 centralized TSN integration architecture is
illustrated in Figure 6. As can be seen, the TT An important 5G capability to enable TSN-grade
functions at the device and core network (CN) sides performance is the Ultra-Reliable Low Latency
provide gateway capabilities for TSN features across Communications (URLLC) mode, which was defined
the 5GS. in 3GPP Rel-15. Together with the flexible 5G frame
structure concept, the URLLC mode enables low
latency (e.g. 1msec) with high reliability for short
packets, as discussed in [9]. In addition, QoS
enhancements for multiple simultaneous active
configured grants and semi-persistent scheduling
have also been defined.

5G-ACIA

An industry group has been formed, the 5G-ACIA

(Alliance for Connected Industries and Automation),
Figure 6: 3GPP Rel-16 5GS-TSN integration
to help coordinate the 3GPP standards development
architecture
and industry adoption of 5G technologies in
Time synchronization across a 5GS industrial markets. 5G-ACIA is also expected to help
in the evaluation of 5G technologies and exploration
The 3GPP Rel-16 defined the capability to distribute of spectrum needs operator models for industrial 5G
time from a Grand Master in the TSN domain across networks.
the 5GS to a TSN device connected to the 5G UE

12
 Figure 7: 5G architecture for TSN time synchronization integration

Section 4 – Conclusion and requirements and capabilities expected from

wireless standards, such as IEEE 802.11 and 5G.
considerations for the future
Wireless TSN configuration and management
Most of the 802.1 TSN standards are designed with Configuration and management of TSN features
the assumption of operation over wired (Ethernet) need to consider the capabilities of the underlying
links, which have constant capacity, high speed and communication links, especially in the case of
very low packet error rates. As TSN capabilities are wireless, as such capabilities can change over time.
extended over wireless, some assumptions may have For instance, the CNC task to define and configure a
to be re-considered. For instance, the assumption time-aware schedule for a set of time-sensitive
that the link speed is constant may not apply to streams across the network assumes a constant data
wireless. Also, the broadcast nature of the wireless rate for each Ethernet link in order to compute the
medium imposes new medium access and proper gate operation schedule across the bridges.
interference challenges. This section discusses some As wireless links are introduced, the CNC needs to
of the potential standard gaps and areas for further consider the possibility of dynamic changes in link
work to integrate wireless and wired TSN standards. speed/bandwidth due to external conditions (e.g.
wireless channel dynamics, interference, etc.). There
Wired-Wireless TSN integration model and is a need to dynamically manage time-aware
abstraction interface scheduling involving wireless links.
As multiple wireless standards develop TSN-
enabling capabilities (e.g. IEEE 802.11 and 3GPP), it Scheduling also happens within the wireless network
is expected that future TSN domains will be (e.g. Wi-Fi AP and 5G gNB) for radio level decisions
extended with both 802.11 and 3GPP-based wireless (e.g. bandwidth and MCS assignment) that will
solutions. In order to leverage existing TSN ultimately determine the latency and reliability
standards and ecosystem, it is important to define a performance. How such wireless scheduling will
common model to integrate wireless technologies interface and coordinate with the overall TSN
with a TSN domain. A new abstraction interface for network scheduling is one of the areas that still need
wireless TSN should define clear service further work.

13
Availability, Security, and Fault-tolerance Providing TSN-grade latency and packet loss
Interference is typically the number one concern performance during roaming will be an important
when it comes to wireless TSN extensions. The feature for future wireless connectivity standards.
susceptibility to malicious jamming is often raised as
a concern as well. Although the scale of the threat Initial wireless TSN deployments are expected to be
needs to be considered in each specific wireless instituted within constrained areas, such as a factory
deployment and application, it is important to floor, warehouse or enterprise. Therefore, the
enable tools to mitigate the potential impact of practical mobility and speed requirements will likely
interference (malicious or not) in a wireless TSN encompass indoor or campus-like outdoor use cases.
domain. Because TSN is based on Ethernet and Given the current and upcoming wireless capabilities
wireless standards (IEEE 802.11/Wi-Fi and 5G), in both Wi-Fi and 5G, use cases that require high
networks can take advantage of security best- speed mobility across wide areas are not yet
practices and standards that have been developed for considered practical for wireless TSN-grade
Ethernet, 802.11 and 3GPP systems. An additional performance.
layer of security for TSN can also be added with
Next steps towards wireless TSN
precise timing mechanisms that facilitate early
This section proposes specific next steps to address
detection of a network breach as defined in the IEEE
gaps in standards and technology areas in order to
802.1Qci specification. The 802.1Qci capability
enable adoption of wireless TSN in the market.
identifies the time-sensitive streams and uses timing
and schedule information to accept or discard • Further study of scheduling
packets. The right packet must arrive in the right capabilities and performance in
time window on the right port to be accepted. This wireless networks (802.11ax/Wi-Fi 6
capability also needs to be extended to wireless and 5G): It is important for the TSN
networks. community to gain a deeper understanding
on how wireless networks can schedule
Redundancy has been a part of wireless standards
time-sensitive traffic. This work will require
(e.g. through coding schemes) to account for channel
contributions from experts on wireless
errors. But additional redundancy mechanisms that
standards and it can result in documentation
explore frequency/space diversity (e.g. multiple
of the main capabilities, configuration
channels and antennas) may need to be considered
parameters and interfaces to wireless
in order to achieve fault-tolerance against
networks that can impact latency bounded
interference and cybersecurity attacks. Proactive
and reliable data delivery. It is also
multi-link and channel redundancy mechanisms
important to understand the achievable
need to be tightly coordinated with bandwidth
performance bounds and tradeoffs that need
reservation and time-aware scheduling mechanisms
to be considered in wireless. This work can
to ensure latency bounds.
be performed as a follow up to this white
Mobility and roaming challenges paper within Avnu’s Wireless TSN study
Mobility is a unique benefit of wireless connectivity. group and can be published as a technical
It enables flexibility of deployment and easy report.
reconfiguration of devices and applications.
• Abstraction Interface for wireless
However, mobility adds new challenges as devices
TSN: New abstractions and interfaces
change their attachment point to the network (Wi-Fi
between existing TSN functions (e.g.
Access Point or 5G gNsB). Current roaming
scheduling implemented in the CNC,
procedures in both cellular and Wi-Fi networks try
network management and configuration)
to minimize connectivity disruptions, but they do
and wireless networks (e.g. 802.11 and 5G)
not yet consider stringent latency and high reliability
may need to be defined. Clear inputs,
requirements in TSN domains.

14
 outputs, and tasks and responsibilities are shaping capabilities (e.g. 802.1Qbv, Qav)
needed to ensure predictable and reliable could be tested in a first step, followed by
time-aware delivery of scheduled traffic capabilities that enable reliability and
across wired and wireless domains enabled increased efficiency. Test cases could be
by different wireless technologies. A developed within Avnu and in collaboration
common interface to interact with wireless with other wireless technology
domains abstracting the underlaying organizations.
wireless connectivity technology will
facilitate the deployment and extension of Conclusion
TSN networks over wireless. The work may
also include defining new wireless-specific This white paper provided an initial overview of the
parameters (e.g. as addition to existing use cases that can benefit from TSN extensions to
802.1Qbv YANG model) and it could be wireless. The paper also introduced the basic
done in collaboration between the Avnu architecture to enable integration of wired and
Alliance and IEEE 802.1 groups. wireless TSN domains. Wireless can enable
This work could also influence wireless flexibility of deployment, re-configuration and
standard organizations, such as IEEE 802.11 reduced costs in several industrial and ProAV use
and 3GPP. cases. However, it is important to highlight that
there are areas where wireless may not be practical
• Enhancements for discovery and at this stage, especially in applications involving
configuration of wireless TSN links: As safety constraints and very low (microsec level) cycle
discussed previously, the overall TSN times.
configuration and management entities
must be aware of wireless TSN links as their TSN capabilities have already started to be extended
wireless-specific characteristics. Extensions to wireless domains. For instance, time
to existing link layer discovery (e.g. LLDP) synchronization can be extended from a wired
and configuration protocols for wireless TSN (Ethernet) domain to an 802.11/Wi-Fi domain using
may need to be considered to ensure the 802.1AS standard. Similarly, 5G standards define a
TSN management is wireless-aware. The mechanism to enable distribution of TSN time
initial step in this area is to identify gaps in across a 5G network. New capabilities to schedule
existing standards, and it could be taken data transmissions with low latency and high
within Avnu. This work may also generate reliability have also been introduced in 802.11ax/Wi-
input to potential activities in other Fi 6 and 5G URLLC modes.
organizations, such as the IEEE 802.1,
802.11 working groups, and 3GPP. Existing wireless capabilities can support proof of
concepts in the area of time synchronization and
• Wireless TSN test plan: The process of time-aware scheduling over wired and wireless
adopting and deploying wireless TSN domains and further work to define wireless specific
capabilities within a TSN domain is expected test procedures is recommended. Configuration and
to be gradual. It is very important to management of wireless TSN capabilities is another
understand the performance and unique area that can be further developed within the scope
management aspects of each wireless TSN of Avnu. Areas for further work from a wireless
capability, and how they interact as part of standards standpoint have also been identified,
the overall TSN system. Therefore, a gradual which can be useful for groups like IEEE 802.11 and
plan to test existing TSN capabilities 3GPP.
extended to wireless is needed with clear test
cases, assumptions and deployment
scenarios. Time synchronization and traffic

15
References
[1] S. Bush, et. al., “Industrial Wireless Time-
Sensitive Networking Roadmap,” Avnu Alliance
White Paper, Version 1.0.0, December 2017.

[2] Time-Sensitive Networking Standards, IEEE

Communications Magazine Special Issue, Vol. 2,
No. 2, June 2018.

[3] E. Gardiner, et. al. “Theory of Operation for

TSN-enabled Systems – Applied to Industrial
Markets,” Revision 1.0.

[4] V. Perales, et. al. “ Milan White Paper,” Avnu

Alliance White Paper, June 1st, 2018.

[5] 5G for Connected Industrials and Automation

White Paper, Second Edition, February 2019.

[6] 3GPP TR 22.804 Technical Specification Group

Services and System Aspects; Study on
Communication for Automation in Vertical
Domains.

[7] IEEE 802.11 Real-Time Applications TIG

Report, Doc#11-18-2009r6, November 2018.

[8] IETF RFC 8578 – Deterministic Networking Use

Cases.

[9] D. Cavalcanti, et al, “Extending Accurate Time

Distribution and Timeliness Capabilities over
the Air to Enable Future Wireless Industrial
Automation Systems,” Proceeding of the IEEE,
June 2019.

[10]D. Cavalcanti, et al, “TSN support in 802.11 and

potential extensions for TGbe,” IEEE 802.11-
19/1287r1, July 2019.

[11] 3GPP Release 16 Specification, “Summary of

Rel-16 Work Items (TR21.916)”, December 2019.

[12] 3GPP Release 16 Technical Specification 24.519,

“5G System; Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN)
Application Function (AF) to Device-side TSN
Translator (DS-TT) and Network-side TSN
Translator (NW-TT) protocol aspects; Stage 3”,
December 2019.

16