Data Unit Groups Implementation and Validation for Multi-Domain and Multi-Technology Deterministic 6G Systems

Abstract—Deterministic systems fill the gap of providing end-to-end predictive networking capabilities across multiple domains and technologies for applications that have stringent Key Performance Indicator requirements, e.g. Industry 4.0 verticals. In this paper, a 6G solution is realised to enable deterministic networking for all IP traffic in a multi-domain and multi-technology environment. Special focus is given to a proposed data plane concept, called Data Unit Group, and the integration of a Data Unit Group-enabled DetNet router in an end-to-end Network Digital Twin-driven control plane, which manages the entire service provisioning ensuring deterministic Key Performance Indicators fulfilment. The proffered data plane solution and implementation has been validated in a lab testbed and shows that the realisation can operate at line speed without any networking performance impact.