Time-sensitive networks over 5G
Kaarlo Skogberg · Theseus (Ammattikorkeakoulujen) · 2020
The main purpose of this thesis was to provide a comparison of real-time communication methods between a crane and the remote operating station over 5G. Fieldbus protocols are used to communicate with the crane, but because fieldbuses are mainly layer 2 protocols, they are not routed natively through 5G networks. A tunneling protocol capable of tunneling layer 2 network traffic is therefore needed. Layer 2 tunneling makes it possible to directly communicate between two local area networks. All of the researched Ethernet-based fieldbuses and tunneling protocols must be suitable to use with chosen industrial network equipment. With the gathered information, I present that the fieldbus and tunneling protocols to be used should be chosen with available network equipment and rest of the infrastructure in mind. Regarding fieldbuses, the real-time requirements were for soft use in our case, which opens up for more choices when choosing the correct fieldbus. The company has Profinet already in use, which is more than suitable for this purpose. Choosing the correct tunneling protocol however largely depends on the available equipment. In this thesis, the tunneling protocol had be supported by our chosen equipment. One possible choice for tunneling would be to use L2TPv3 over IPsec. The outcome of this work provides a measurement plan for our setup and knowledge of various fieldbus protocols and layer 2 tunneling solutions that are widely supported.