An east-westbound control architecture for multi-segment deterministic networking

Abstract

Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) and Deterministic Networking (DetNet) provide standardized solutions for reliable real-time communication over respectively L2 and L3 networks. Interconnecting heterogeneous TSN segments and L3 DetNet segments is one of the main open challenges to enable wide area DetNet applications. It requires mapping diverse latency guarantee models, as well as adequate interaction between the control systems of different segments. Current state-of-the-art solutions typically focus on a single network segment, or they don't consider the complex interworking between heterogeneous deterministic network segments. This paper proposes an architecture for routing and signaling end-to-end traffic flows in heterogeneous multi-segment deterministic networks. The proposed East-Westbound interaction architecture between the control systems of DetNet network segments enables a divide-and-conquer strategy that significantly reduces the inherent complexity of provisioning end-to-end routes in these networks. The potential of the architecture is validated through a proof-of-concept in an emulated multi-segment network. Notably, interactions contained within a segment retain constant overhead, while the overhead of actions spanning multiple segments tends to increase when the number of involved segments rises.