Integrating the synchronization stacks of a heterogeneous time-sensitive networking system with wired and wireless domains

This contribution recounts the experience and main integration challenges of the different precision time protocol (PTP)-based synchronization stacks present in the demonstrator of the heterogeneous time-sensitive networking (TSN) architecture of the TIMING project with wired and wireless segments. This demonstrator represents a significant initiative aimed at showcasing the feasibility of deploying complex, real-time industrial control and robotics systems over large areas by leveraging the deterministic and resilient transport capabilities of TSN in combination with advanced orchestration, optimization methodologies, and commercial telecommunication networks. The end-to-end distribution of a unified time reference is essential to achieve a successful integration. To that end, it is imperative to verify the interoperability between the PTP stacks of the different segments of the network. Hence, we focus on the description of the main scenarios, challenges, and hurdles that had to be overcome to allow the seamless propagation of PTP between the wireless-TSN devices and the Ethernet-based TSN switches present in the demonstrator. This will include an analysis of the applicable profiles and configuration options, suitable for the demonstrator, their effects on performance, as well as lessons learned during the process and considerations for future large-scale deployments of TSN systems.