Switched Networks: Time and Safety Critical Applications

This lecture delves into the intricacies of switched networks, focusing on achieving segregation and separation of critical and non-critical messages. The discussion covers the use of state-of-the-art technologies like FlexRay and AFDX, exploring the challenges and benefits of timing predictability, traffic shaping, and network synchronization. The lecture also examines the implications of using Ethernet as a backbone for time-critical applications, highlighting the trade-offs between bandwidth, latency, and the number of priority levels. Various network protocols and their suitability for real-time traffic, such as AVB and STTP, are discussed in the context of industrial automation and automotive applications.