Converged Networks: the foundation for real-time edge computing
Intel Edge platforms support Intel® Time Coordinated Computing (Intel® TCC) enabling real-time distributed edge computing across converged networks with deterministic low latency performance. For instance, industrial automation controllers will handle mixed-criticality workloads by making use of modern SW architectures from cloud native computing at the edge. Converged networks will push the limits beyond local processing on a single computer to manage and orchestrate workloads between several Industrial PCs or on-premise datacenters.
Industrial systems are transitioning from proprietary, dedicated computing and connectivity to general purpose computing and standards-based networks leveraging widely available Ethernet and enhancements for deterministic performance, such as TSN capabilities. In the industrial automation market, for instance, various established field buses and industrial protocols, such as Profinet, OPC, CC-Link, and others are expected to operate on converged networks based on Ethernet and TSN standards. Such networks must ensure QoS (quality of service - bounded latency with high reliability) for time-critical operational data that shares the network with other best effort IT traffic.
This trend towards time coordinated compute using TSN-enabled converged networks is gaining broad industry support across many areas in Industrial such as factory automation, machine control, and quality assurance. In general, such use cases involve control applications processing observed/sensor-data and as a result adjusting machine activities. This is usually done in a recurrent manner with various level of cycle times and determinism requirements as well as precise knowledge of time. In other instances, precise knowledge of time is most critical to compare instances of sensor data or to synchronize data output (e.g. video or audio data).
The role of standards, interoperability, and certification
The transition to software-defined systems enabled by Edge computing and converged networks breaks from the old paradigm where proprietary and purpose-built networks were designed to meet the needs of single industries or applications. This is possible by relying on industry-wide standardization and certification efforts to ensure devices from multiple vendors interoperate and can be easily integrated in a general-purpose network. When it comes to real-time performance the IEEE TSN standards are bringing determinism to standard networks, from Ethernet to Wi-Fi and 5G. Certification programs such as the Avnu Alliance Component Certification for TSN are key to ensure compliance with IEEE specifications and interoperability.
Developed by industry leaders including Intel, the Avnu Alliance certification program establishes a rigorous testing process and tools to ensure devices comply with IEEE standards and can be seamlessly integrated into TSN-capable converged networks.
Deploying Real-time Computing on Converged Edge Networks
System integrators and solution providers can already deploy real-time edge computing applications taking advantage of Intel® TCC are available across many Intel processors and ethernet solutions like the Intel® Ethernet Controller i226.
A comprehensive Intel® TCC user guide is available at Intel ® TCC User Guide.
Intel® Ethernet Controller i226 details are available at Intel® Ethernet Controller i226 Product Brief
Christine Boles is a Vice President in the Network & Edge Group (NEX) and General Manager of Intel’s Federal and Industrial Solutions. Her organization is responsible for Intel’s NEX Federal and Industrial business within the aerospace, manufacturing, energy, logistics and commercial building segments, including the product and ecosystem strategies for this rapidly evolving space.
Boles joined Intel in 1992 as an application engineer for 16-bit microcontrollers. For almost 30 years, she has led development, delivery and the enabling of customers and ecosystems for Intel based solutions in multiple leadership roles. These solutions span a broad range of embedded and internet of things applications across many industries, including communications, storage, retail, imaging, and commercial buildings.
Boles holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from University of Cincinnati and an MBA from Arizona State University.