Synchronizing multiple TSN-Enabled Ethernet cDAQ Chassis in Star Configuration

[Hutsonb12]

Hello,

     I am trying to test TSN synchronization across two 9189 cDAQ chassis with a 802.1AS enabled switch(Cisco Catalyst 9300) in a star configuration.  Running a simple task with 9234 cards in NI MAX.  Successful in a daisy chain configuration, but I can't get anything to work through the switch.  Running latest vers of NI Max on Windows 10 machine.

Screenshots attached.

Thank you,

Brandon Hutson

[ZYOng · Accepted solution]

With the help of copilot:

The Cisco Catalyst 9300 Series only supports IEEE 802.1AS, which is part of the TSN suite. This protocol enables precise time synchronization across devices and is often used in Audio Video Bridging (AVB) and AES67 environments.

However, full TSN support involves more than just 802.1AS. TSN includes a broader set of standards such as:

• 802.1Qbv (Time-Aware Shaper)
• 802.1Qbu (Frame Preemption)
• 802.1CB (Frame Replication and Elimination)
• 802.1Qci (Ingress Policing)

The Catalyst 9300 does not support the full TSN feature set, especially the traffic shaping and scheduling mechanisms required for deterministic networking in industrial automation.

If you're building a TSN-compliant network for industrial or automotive use, Cisco's Industrial Ethernet (IE) switches like the IE3400 or IE4000 are better suited.

[Hutsonb12]

Thank you very much for that detailed explanation! 

I happen to have a IE4000 and gave it a go.  Works as expected in the star configuration.

Since we are on this topic, I started this test initially to see if wireless synchronization was possible across multiple chassis.  From what I understand IEEE 802.11AS was meant for this, but Cisco vendor says they no longer support IEEE 802.11AS in their industrial AP's.  Any thoughts?