Time-Sensitive Networking as the Communication Future of Industry 4.0

Abstract The paper discusses new trends within communication protocols of the Internet of Things (IoT), focusing especially on the enhancement of the IoT’s real-time abilities and summarizing the long-term knowledge and experience of the authors. Considering the previous standardization attempts of the ISO and IEEE, we may expect that the novel research projects will facilitate major progress in real-time communication systems to satisfy common requirements of industrial automation, information and audiovisual technologies, mechanical engineering, management, banking, medical care, and multiple other sectors covered by the Internet of Things (IoT). In this context, time-sensitive networks (TSNs) appear to embody a most effective approach to securing reliable communication for the future.