TSN ensures the synchronization of time-sensitive data over Ethernet networks. Adding time-sensitive data and enabling real-time control over vehicle networks increases the reliability requirements to maintain high-speed communication links between the CCUs and zones. Because of this, the redundancy support provided by an Ethernet ring architecture is beneficial for TSN applications, including Ethernet AVB; however, a ring architecture is not a requirement for TSN and vice versa.

Several protocols include definitions of TSN:

• Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.1AS – Generalized Precision Time Protocol (gPTP) provides data synchronization with deterministic latency, low packet delay variation and low packet loss.
• IEEE 802.1Qbv – Enhancements to traffic scheduling.
• IEEE 802.1Qav – Support for AVB.

While TSN is not required for Ethernet ring architectures, it helps ensure low and deterministic latency. IEEE 802.1AS defines a method for data synchronization with millisecond to nanosecond accuracy. This accuracy level provides benefits to Ethernet ring architectures by applying adjustments and timing compensation to offset latency during the packet processing and transmission process. Additionally, IEEE 802.1Qbv provides support for scheduled traffic enhancements, which helps prioritize and manage Ethernet backbone data.

TSN is necessary for audio data because it ensures synchronized audio playback at different locations in the vehicle, despite varying path delays. IEEE 802.1Qav defines AVB support for sending audio and video data over Ethernet.