Software-Defined Networks Supporting Time-Sensitive In-Vehicular Communication

TL;DR

This paper explores integrating Software-Defined Networking with Time-Sensitive Networking in future in-vehicular Ethernet networks, demonstrating via simulation that SDN can support real-time car communication without adding delay.

Contribution

It proposes a novel concept for combining SDN and TSN in automotive networks and provides an initial simulation-based evaluation of its feasibility.

Findings

SDN control overhead does not introduce delay for TSN traffic when protocols are properly mapped.

The proposed architecture supports real-time requirements in vehicular networks.

Simulation results validate the potential of SDN-TSN integration for automotive applications.

Abstract

Future in-vehicular networks will be based on Ethernet. The IEEE Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) is a promising candidate to satisfy real-time requirements in future car communication. Software-Defined Networking (SDN) extends the Ethernet control plane with a programming option that can add much value to the resilience, security, and adaptivity of the automotive environment. In this work, we derive a first concept for combining Software-Defined Networking with Time-Sensitive Networking along with an initial evaluation. Our measurements are performed via a simulation that investigates whether an SDN architecture is suitable for time-critical applications in the car. Our findings indicate that the control overhead of SDN can be added without a delay penalty for the TSN traffic when protocols are mapped properly.

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