Proof of Concept: Successful End-to-End Integration of TSN Standards into a 5G Network

Fraunhofer Institute FOKUS in partnership with Deutsche Telekom AG and MediaTek Inc. has successfully integrated TSN standards into a 5G test network. A complete end-to-end TSN system for private 5G networks is provided, spanning from the software-based core network through the radio access network (RAN) to the user equipment. It is suitable for applications requiring deterministic data packet communication, such as robot control in factory shopfloors.

Mehrere Roboterarme in einer Flaschenfabrik
© iStock / Kinwun

Through Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), data packets are transmitted reliably and at precisely defined moments with predetermined latencies. This capability is crucial for modern factories, where synchronizing multiple robots or managing automated control systems demands exact timing. With the rise of 5G for industrial applications, the 3GPP organization has expanded the 5G standard to include TSN extensions that build on innovations from fixed networks.

Fraunhofer Institute FOKUS working with Deutsche Telekom AG and the Taiwanese semiconductor solutions provider MediaTek Inc. has implemented an end-to-end integration in a private 5G test network in a joint proof of concept. Utilizing multiple vendors, the system showcased seamless interoperability with TSN endpoints, a robust software-based core network, advanced radio technology, accurate time services, and mobile devices—all coming together to prove the practical viability of an integrated 5G TSN solution.

The following technical features were implemented:

  • SIB9-capable RAN and user equipment: Ensuring state-of-the-art time synchronization standards are used.
  • Core Network Traffic Shaping: Utilizing the IEEE 802.1 Qbv standard to schedule data flow precisely.
  •  Time Synchronization Support: Leveraging IEEE 802.1AS for time synch, where devices in the network can accurately coordinate with a single clock source.

The testbed employs the Fraunhofer FOKUS Open5GCore – a flexible, practical implementation of the 3GPP 5G standalone core network, tailored to meet the requirements of the R&D community. Open5GCore is already known for its broad interoperability with user devices and RAN solutions from various commercial vendors. The Open5GCore Release 10 is now available, featuring the new TSN extensions and deeper integration with TSN fixed networks, paving the way for future industrial network innovations as well as for other domains such as content acquisition or low latency gaming and meta-verse applications.  

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