Model and Worst-Case End-to-End Traffic Delay Analysis in the Fronthaul Segment of 4G/5G Networks Based on TSN Ethernet Technology Using Credit Based Shaper

This article examines a mathematical model and an analytical method for obtaining upper bound estimates of end-to-end delays of medium-priority eCPRI traffic in the Fronthaul based on TSN Ethernet technology of 4G/5G networks using a credit shaper.

The relevance of this study stems from the fact that the rapid development of promising Industry 4.0 infocommunication applications has necessitated the transmission of diverse traffic requiring high quality of service. For these purposes, the transport capabilities of 4G/5G networks can be utilized, provided that their fronthaul segment is implemented using the advanced technology of time-sensitive TSN Ethernet networks. To service aperiodic eCPRI traffic in a TSN network, it is advisable to use a dedicated credit-based traffic shaper (CBS) to increase fronthaul throughput. Requirements for the boundary delays for the transmission of various types of fronthaul traffic are regulated by the IEEE 802.1CM standard; however, it lacks a methodology for determining them.

The aim of this study to develop a model and method for estimating boundary delays in the Fronthaul segment based on TSN Ethernet technology in 4G/5G networks using the theory of network calculus.

Methods include deriving analytical expressions for the Fronthaul traffic arrival curves and its service curves in the TSN Ethernet network using the CBS credit traffic shaper based on the basic approaches of network calculus theory.

Results. A model for serving heterogeneous eCPRI traffic in the Fronthaul based on TSN Ethernet was developed. A method for obtaining worst-case delay for CBS medium-priority traffic the was proposed, based on network calculus.

Scientific novelty. The conducted study is the first attempt to obtain a methodology for estimating upper bounds on end-to-end delays of medium priority eCPRI traffic, taking into account the requirements of IEEE 802.1CM.

The theoretical significance of the work lies in the development of a mathematical model and a method for estimating the boundary delays of medium-priority traffic in the Fronthaul segment of 4G/5G networks based on TSN Ethernet technology, served using a credit generator, using the mathematical apparatus of network calculus theory.

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