SHARP: Towards the Integration of Time-Sensitive Communications in Legacy LAN/WLAN

Abstract

Fifth generation (5G) cellular networks are meant to provide not only higher data rates, but also high reliability, low latency and connectivity to a high number of nodes. These features would allow 5G to integrate Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) in a single network. However, there are several applications that are out of the specifications of 5G, such as closed-loop control in factory automation, which need Ultra-Reliable and Low-Latency Communications (URLLC) with a high refresh rate, or periodic URLLC. Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) could be a suitable solution to these scenarios, but WLAN standards do not have enough performance either. Synchronous and Hybrid Architecture for Real-Time (RT) Performance (SHARP) is a novel solution, which provides periodic URLLC through the use of Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) and a wireless extension to TSN based on 802.11 (wireless SHARP / wireless TSN). However, SHARP is meant to support not only URLLC, but also Best-Effort traffic. To do so, providing backward compatibility with 802.11 could be a suitable option. This paper is focused on how interference-free conditions between wireless SHARP and 802.11 can be achieved, thus SHARP could support 802.11. Furthermore, we also define the extension of TSN to wireless SHARP. Finally, we have implemented a SHARP network in OMNeT, and the coexistence of the wireless systems and its performance is discussed based on the results obtained from the network simulations.