Mixed Reality Assisted Commissioning and Readiness Validation for Deterministic TSN Networks

Abstract

Commissioning and readiness validation of deterministic Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) infrastructures remain challenging due to the disconnect between centralized network management tools and the physical communication assets deployed on the factory floor. While centralized configuration frameworks provide access to schedules, stream parameters, and diagnostic information, engineers must continuously translate between logical network representations and physical devices during deployment and troubleshooting. This paper presents a mixed reality (MR) framework for TSN commissioning and readiness validation that integrates the ORCA Centralized Network Controller (CNC) with a Microsoft HoloLens 2 client. The framework visualizes configuration, scheduling, and diagnostic information directly on physical TSN assets through spatially anchored holographic interfaces. Engineers can inspect device status, stream configurations, Gate Control List (GCL) schedules, and operational diagnostics in situ. The framework was implemented using Unity with OpenXR and the Mixed Reality Toolkit (MRTK) and integrated into a 5G-TSN testbed comprising a B&R TSN switch, Open5GS-based 5G infrastructure, and the ORCA configuration environment. The resulting prototype demonstrates the feasibility of extending MR concepts to deterministic industrial communication systems and establishes a foundation for immersive commissioning and diagnostics of TSN-enabled networks.