Multi-Domain TSN Orchestration and Management for Large-Scale Industrial Networks

Abstract

The increasing demand for determinism in modern industrial communication, driven by Industry 4.0, has led to the development of IEEE Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) standards. However, integrating and configuring interconnected heterogeneous industrial networks remains a significant challenge. This paper extends the novel hierarchical Software-Defined Networking (SDN) based architectural design and control plane framework introduced in the context of orchestration and management of a multi-domain TSN network. We present relevant data models and a signaling schema essential for establishing end-to-end inter-domain time-sensitive streams within the proposed architecture. A proof-of-concept implementation validates the feasibility of the framework and demonstrates its performance advantages over the peer-to-peer model. The scalability of the framework for large-scale industrial networks is verified, and it ensures secure information encapsulation among domains, enabling seamless integration of multi-vendor heterogeneous applications. Furthermore, we investigate the use of CORECONF as a lightweight alternative to NETCONF for network management of multi-domain TSN network, providing experimental results.