Maximize Machine Data Value with Time‑Sensitive Networking

Over the last several years, manufacturers have leveraged industrial Ethernet to interconnect machines, sensors, and a broad array of devices across the factory floor. By embedding this data into a rapidly evolving IoT ecosystem, they can translate raw information into actionable insights and seamlessly integrate with enterprise applications.

These efforts have produced striking business outcomes, such as:

• Higher overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) through precise process control
• Accelerated new‑product introductions that drive growth
• Boosted productivity measured by asset utilization and workforce efficiency

However, many industrial processes still demand deterministic, real‑time responses and have remained isolated, protected by proprietary solutions and vendor‑specific hardware. Traditional Ethernet, designed for best‑effort delivery, lacks the guarantees required for time‑sensitive operations.

To bridge this gap, leading industry players—including Cisco, Bosch, Intel, National Instruments, and Schneider Electric—are championing IEEE’s Time‑Sensitive Networking (TSN) standards. TSN unifies IT and OT by delivering a single, standard Ethernet fabric that supports deterministic data exchange, real‑time control, and precise synchronization across multiple vendors.

With TSN, one of the final bastions of proprietary, costly technology is replaced by an open‑standard, Ethernet‑based solution that unlocks the full potential of IoT.

Customers gain:

• Efficient, unified management that blends OT and IT through common best practices
• Guaranteed delivery and minimal jitter for high‑performance processes over standard Ethernet
• Rapid, flexible deployment enabled by a diverse, vendor‑agnostic ecosystem

Cisco is at the forefront of shaping TSN standards and collaborates with industry bodies such as the Industrial Internet Consortium to validate interoperability across the ecosystem. Within Cisco’s IoT Connectivity portfolio, TSN will first appear in the Industrial Ethernet 4000 (IE4000) family—designed for rugged, industrial deployments. The IE4000 series supports up to 20 Gigabit Ethernet ports with PoE, as well as fiber interfaces, and is fully TSN‑capable. With the latest IOS software release (15.2(5)E2), customers can immediately realize TSN’s benefits.

By harnessing TSN, organizations can unlock the latent value of time‑sensitive data, turning it into real‑time operational actions and deeper business insights.

Visit cisco.com/go/tsn to learn more.

For additional details on our newest manufacturing solutions and their debut at Hannover Messe, read our blog post and another blog post.