From 1973 to 2023, Ethernet technology has gone through 50 years, and still continues to innovate, laying a solid foundation for the future Internet of everything. In order to meet the needs of flexible industrial applications, Ethernet technology needs to be continuously optimized, including increasing data transmission speed, providing real-time and reliable communication, and supporting more diverse connection methods. Therefore, exploring new possibilities and breaking the boundaries of existing technologies is crucial to promoting the development of Ethernet technology.

VMIVME-1150 This white paper explores how to combine time-sensitive networking (TSN) and one-pair Ethernet (SPE) solutions to push Ethernet standards across industries to the next level. First, this article discusses how TSN, as a standard Ethernet extension technology, provides real-time deterministic communication to meet the ever-changing requirements of industrial network architectures. Second, we will explore how SPE, as a standard Ethernet transmission technology, enables data transfer and power over Ethernet with only a single pair of copper wires, making diverse applications possible.

With the advent of Industry 4.0 era, the focus of network construction has shifted from simple connection of devices to efficient access and use of data. Building a unified, flat network architecture to ensure seamless communication between IT and OT systems is the key to real-time data management and transmission.

VMIVME-1150

TSN and SPE have become two key Ethernet technologies that help build unified industrial networks and take Ethernet capabilities to new heights. Based on standard Ethernet, TSN provides real-time deterministic communication and establishes a unified industrial backbone network for all types of systems. With a single pair of cables, the SPE can realize long-distance data transmission and power over Ethernet, extending the Ethernet coverage to the industrial site, realizing the full connection of devices, and building a truly unified industrial network.

The results of research and discussion in several industry forums indicate that the future of industrial networks will be mainly centered on TSN. TSN ensures deterministic service, allowing time-sensitive data to be transmitted over standard Ethernet, enabling successful real-time communication for industrial control applications using standard Ethernet. In addition, TSN supports data transmission under different communication protocols, enabling different systems to operate in coordination and parallel, and promoting the formation of a unified and open network architecture.

VMIVME-1150 The successful application of TSN in various fields shows that the technology can be used as a unified platform to integrate different systems.

The SPE connects field equipment and devices to the upper-level network, creating a unified network architecture for the entire system, enabling seamless data transfer, and using data-based technologies such as predictive maintenance to continuously reduce costs and increase efficiency in the production process.

In the era of Industry 4.0, network transformation is the key thrust of industrial digitalization and intelligence. Using standard Ethernet technology to build a unified network not only improves production efficiency, but also promotes the development of intelligent manufacturing. In essence, TSN is the cornerstone of a unified base network, and SPE’s expansion of Ethernet into the industrial field brings us one step closer to a unified network.