5G NPN Performance Evaluation for I4.0 Environments

This paper aims to develop an open Asset Administration Shell (AAS) solution for 5G Non-Public Network (NPN) management, focusing on manufacturing digitization and complete Information and Operational Technology (IT/OT) convergence. The proposed 5G NPN framework is evaluated in a factory-like simulation scenario considering network slicing for I4.0, and demonstrates the outlook of 5G communication in the industrial domain, achieving an upload data rate of up to 86 Mbps, and a Round-Trip Time (RTT) for end-to-end communication as low as 11 ms. The proposed framework integrates OPC UA as an enabler and middleware across different protocols, equipment, and the manufacturing shop floor, with the target of aggregating different industrial data and creating insights on production optimization in a unified manner. The framework combines 5G NPNs with I4.0 environments, in the form of a complete FNMS and its corresponding AAS. In parallel, a set of I4.0 enablers are investigated within the framework of the project, covering a Time-Sensitive Network (TSN) on the shop floor. The main objective of this paper is to propose a method for the unified integration of various enablers in the I4.0 domain and their combination with 5G technology, and to evaluate the feasibility of hosting industrial applications and services over 5G channels through the implementation of different slicing schemas. The paper presents detailed experimental data regarding 5G downlink/uplink data rates and RTT delays.