Time-aware Shaper (TAS), defined in IEEE 802.1Qbv, is a scheduling mechanism that enables network devices to transmit packets at specific times based on a predefined schedule. Using a Gate Control List (GCL), TAS opens and closes transmission gates for different traffic queues during user-defined time windows, ensuring that time-critical or high-priority traffic is sent exactly when needed.
TAS plays a crucial role in TSN by enabling deterministic behavior over Ethernet. It allows various types of traffic—such as control commands, video streams, and best-effort data—to coexist on the same network without interfering with each other. This is especially important for industrial automation, robotics, and automotive applications where communication latency must be predictable and controllable.