plug5G: Real-time capable 5G networks for industrial automation

Efficient, scalable, secure and easy-to-use networking of production equipment is a key factor in the further digitalization of production, the linking of industrial applications and products with innovative data services and the introduction of new services and applications. With TSN and 5G, this demand for networking solutions is currently being met by a new generation of mobile access and wide area networks, which are currently being developed globally with a strong focus on new industrial user groups. However, the integration of these two innovative technologies is not yet ready for use in practice; in particular, the end-to-end implementation, commissioning and configuration (commissioning) and integrated operation (operations) must be designed, implemented and evaluated.

The plug5G project aims to integrate 5G and TSN into a backbone network of the future for industrial applications. It is designed to enable companies to start creating and using such a network. For this purpose, modules for a 5G-capable, manufacturer-independent realization or extension of a TSN CNC for the connection to the TSN AF in the 5G system will be developed. On the other hand, a manufacturer-independent implementation of the same TSN AF within the 5G Control Plane will be developed. The knowledge gained will be implemented as an example in the form of a demonstrator in order to verify its suitability for practical use. Simulations and emulations will be developed to complement the tests for early verification and to increase the degree of coverage of the evaluation. The transfer to industry is supported by pre-competitive user recommendations and experience reports which, together with the software modules and tools to be developed, can significantly reduce the development and integration effort for the implementing companies.