Reconfiguration Algorithms for High Precision Communications in Time Sensitive Networks

Factory automation and similar demanding use cases require high precision communications with strict on-time and in-time packet delivery. The IEEE 802.1Qbv Time-Aware Shaper (TAS) is well suited for such high precision communication scenarios, but requires precise configuration for a particular traffic scenario. Dynamic traffic scenario changes are commonplace in operational networks and necessitate TAS reconfigurations to ensure continued high precision communications. In this paper, we develop and evaluate the first dynamic reconfiguration algorithms for TAS switches. In particular, within the context of the IEEE 802.1Qcc management protocol, we develop and evaluate both a centralized network/distributed user model (hybrid model) and a fully-distributed (decentralized) model for effective dynamic reconfigurations of a typical industrial control network.