4.4.8.1 General

The 5G System can be extended to support the following:

• Integration of 5GS into a TSN data network (DN): Integration as a bridge in an IEEE 802.1 Time Sensitive Networking (TSN). The 5GS bridge supports the Time sensitive communication as defined in IEEE 802.1 Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) standards. The architecture is described in clause 4.4.8.2.

This Release supports of the specification, integration of the 5G System with IEEE 802.1 TSN networks that apply the fully centralized configuration model as defined in IEEE Std 802.1Q [98]. IEEE TSN is a set of standards to define mechanisms for the time-sensitive (i.e. deterministic) transmission of data over Ethernet networks.

• Enablers for AF requested support of Time Synchronization and/or some aspects of Time Sensitive Communication. The architecture is described in clause 4.4.8.3.
• Support for TSN enabled transport network (TN): Enablers for interworking with TSN network deployed in the transport network. This option can be used simultaneously with either option a) or b). The architecture is described in clause 5.28a. The interworking is applicable when the transport network deploys the fully centralized configuration model as defined in IEEE Std 802.1Q [98]. In this scenario, a TSN TN is deployed to realize the N3 interface between (R)AN and UPF. From the perspective of the TSN TN, (R)AN and UPF act as End Stations of the TSN TN.
• Integration as a router in a Deterministic Network as defined in IETF RFC 8655 [150]. The architecture is described in clause 4.4.8.4.