TACNET 4.0

Highly reliable and real-time 5G networking for industry 4.0

The overall goal of TACNET 4.0 is to develop a unified industrial 5G communication system that consistently integrates 5G networks and industrial communication networks. To this end, 5G concepts are being extended with innovative industry-specific approaches, cross-network adaptation mechanisms have been developed, and open interfaces between industrial and mobile radio systems have been developed. Innovative 5G technologies can support demanding and previously unrealizable scenarios in process and factory automation. Such a scenario might be the remote control of mobile equipment or robots that are designed to operate in dangerous environments or the operation requires experts that are not locally available. The project is investigating new approaches like Big Data analytics, Edge-Cloud supported real time control, and remote services.

Further application examples would be the

• support of workers by experts at other locations with Augmented Reality
• support for automated guided transport vehicles
• control and management of industrial communication networks
• efficient use of spectrum resources for highly reliable communication

The greatest challenge facing TACNET 4.0 is to integrate future 5G networks and other current as well as new industrial communications systems to support a wide range of industrial applications, including the integration of field bus systems. TACNET 4.0 relies on open interfaces, so that network functions can be expanded, for example, through apps. Additionally, initial attempts are being undertaken to use mobile wireless networks for wide area coverage, instead of only the current local wireless sensor networks or WLAN.

The focus of OTARIS is mainly on the quality of service (QoS) for different applications and the co-development of the security concept, which also includes a complete security analysis of the TACNET modules. In addition, OTARIS will support concept development for Edge Cloud and develop interfaces for network control and management.