Time synchronization system, method, device, storage medium and computer program product

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of communications and provides a time synchronization system, method, device, storage medium, and computer program product. The time synchronization system includes a PTP time server, an LME, and an underwater repeater; the PTP time server is connected to the LME; the LME is connected to the underwater repeater; the PTP time server is used to convert a time synchronization signal into a 1588v2 message; the LME is used to convert the 1588v2 message into a first low-frequency signal, and superimpose the first low-frequency signal on the main signal to obtain a superimposed signal; the underwater repeater is used to send the second low-frequency signal obtained in response to the 1588v2 message and the superimposed signal of the main signal back to the PTP time server. The present application uses the Precision Time Protocol 1588v2 message to synchronize the system time. Without changing the system functional architecture, the time synchronization signal is transmitted through the superimposed signal method supported by the system, thereby reducing the cost of system time synchronization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of communications, and in particular to a time synchronization system, method, device, storage medium, and computer program product. Background Art

[0002] Existing Smart-Cable (Scientific Monitoring and Reliable Telecommunications) submarine cable systems lack a clear time synchronization method. Dedicated channels are typically used to transmit 1588v2 messages. However, this approach requires adding numerous components to the Smart-Cable system and providing dedicated channels, increasing equipment complexity and potential failure points. This also increases maintenance costs for underwater equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The embodiments of the present application provide a time synchronization system, method, device, storage medium, and computer program product to solve the technical problem of high cost of implementing time synchronization in existing Smart-Cables.

[0004] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a time synchronization system, comprising a Precision Time Protocol (PTP) time server, a line monitoring device (LME), and an underwater repeater; the PTP time server is connected to the LME; the LME is connected to the underwater repeater; wherein:

[0005] The PTP time server is used to convert the received time synchronization signal into a Precision Time Protocol 1588v2 message;

[0006] The LME is configured to convert the 1588v2 message into a first low-frequency signal, and superimpose the first low-frequency signal on a main signal to obtain a superimposed signal, where the main signal is received by the LME;

[0007] The underwater repeater is used to respond to the target message to obtain a second low-frequency signal, and send the signal of the second low-frequency signal superimposed on the main signal back to the PTP time server. The target message is a 1588v2 message obtained by filtering and demodulating the superimposed signal in sequence.

[0008] In one embodiment, the PTP time server integrates a first synchronization processing module, wherein:

[0009] The PTP time server is further configured to receive a time synchronization signal sent by a satellite;

[0010] The first synchronization processing module is used to convert the time synchronization signal into the 1588v2 message.

[0011] In one embodiment, the time synchronization system further includes a submarine line terminal equipment SLTE; the LME is integrated with a first modulator; the SLTE is connected to the LME; wherein:

[0012] The SLTE is configured to generate a main signal and send the main signal to the LME;

[0013] The first modulator is configured to superimpose the first low-frequency signal on the main signal to obtain a superimposed signal.

[0014] In one embodiment, the underwater repeater integrates a first filter, a second synchronization processing module, and a second modulator, wherein:

[0015] The first filter is used to filter the superimposed signal to obtain the first low-frequency signal;

[0016] The second synchronization processing module is configured to respond to the 1588v2 message obtained by demodulating the first low-frequency signal to obtain a second low-frequency signal;

[0017] The second modulator is configured to superimpose the second low-frequency signal on the main signal.

[0018] In one embodiment, the LME further integrates a second filter, wherein:

[0019] The second filter is configured to filter a signal obtained by superimposing the second low-frequency signal and the main signal to obtain the second low-frequency signal;

[0020] The LME is further configured to demodulate the second low-frequency signal to obtain a returned 1588v2 message; and send the returned 1588v2 message back to the PTP time server.

[0021] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a time synchronization method, which is applied to the time synchronization system as described in the first aspect. The time synchronization method includes:

[0022] Receive time synchronization signal and main signal;

[0023] Converting the time synchronization signal into a 1588v2 message, and processing the 1588v2 message to obtain a first low-frequency signal;

[0024] Superimposing the low-frequency signal and the main signal to obtain a superimposed signal;

[0025] The signal obtained by replying to the target message is returned to the node that obtains the 1588v2 message to complete the time synchronization of the time synchronization system. The target message is a 1588v2 message obtained by filtering and demodulating the superimposed signal.

[0026] In one embodiment, processing the 1588v2 message to obtain the first low-frequency signal includes:

[0027] The 1588v2 message is sequentially subjected to binary encoding and modulation processing to obtain a first low-frequency signal, wherein the modulation processing includes amplitude modulation processing or frequency modulation processing.

[0028] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a device comprising a processor and a memory storing a computer program, wherein the processor implements the time synchronization method described in the second aspect when executing the computer program.

[0029] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the time synchronization method described in the second aspect is implemented.

[0030] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a computer program product, including a computer program, which implements the time synchronization method described in the second aspect when executed by a processor.

[0031] The time synchronization system, method, device, storage medium, and computer program product provided by the embodiments of the present application include a PTP time server, an LME, and an underwater repeater; the PTP time server is connected to the LME; the LME is connected to the underwater repeater; the PTP time server is used to convert a time synchronization signal into a 1588v2 message; the LME is used to convert the 1588v2 message into a first low-frequency signal, and superimpose the first low-frequency signal on the main signal to obtain a superimposed signal; the underwater repeater is used to send the second low-frequency signal obtained in response to the 1588v2 message and the superimposed signal of the main signal back to the PTP time server. By using the Precision Time Protocol 1588v2 message to synchronize the system time, the time synchronization signal is transmitted through the superimposed signal method supported by the system without changing the system functional architecture, thereby reducing the cost of system time synchronization. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the present application or the prior art, a brief introduction will be given below to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0033] Figure 1 This is one of the framework diagrams of the time synchronization system provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 2 This is the second schematic diagram of the framework of the time synchronization system provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 3 This is the third framework diagram of the time synchronization system provided in the embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of signal superposition in a time synchronization system provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 5 This is a flow chart of a time synchronization method provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 6 It is a structural diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application more clear, the technical solutions in this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0040] Reference Figure 1-3 , Figure 1-3 Schematic diagram of a time synchronization system in an embodiment of the present application. The time synchronization system provided in an embodiment of the present application includes a Precision Time Synchronization Protocol (PTP) time server, a Line Monitoring Equipment (LME), and an underwater repeater; the PTP time server is connected to the LME; the LME is connected to the underwater repeater; wherein:

[0041] The PTP time server is used to convert the received time synchronization signal into a Precision Time Protocol 1588v2 message;

[0042] The LME is configured to convert the 1588v2 message into a first low-frequency signal, and superimpose the first low-frequency signal on a main signal to obtain a superimposed signal, where the main signal is received by the LME;

[0043] The underwater repeater is used to respond to the target message to obtain a second low-frequency signal, and send the signal of the second low-frequency signal superimposed on the main signal back to the PTP time server. The target message is a 1588v2 message obtained by filtering and demodulating the superimposed signal in sequence.

[0044] Specifically, if Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a networking diagram of the Smart-Cable system mentioned in the background technology (i.e., the time synchronization system in this embodiment). The time synchronization system includes a Precision Time Synchronization Protocol (PTP) time server, a Line Monitoring Equipment (LME), and an underwater repeater. Figure 1 The onshore equipment in the system includes a PTP time server and LME. The PTP time server is connected to the LME, and the LME is connected to the underwater repeater. Figure 1 BU is the abbreviation of Brunch Unit, which means branch unit.

[0045] Figure 2 The PTP master server is the PTP time server in this embodiment. The function of the PTP time server is to receive the time synchronization signal sent by the satellite and convert the time synchronization signal into a 1588v2 message (a precision time protocol message). The function of the LME is to convert the 1588v2 message into a first low-frequency signal, and superimpose the first low-frequency signal on the main signal (received by the LME) to obtain a superimposed signal. The function of the underwater repeater is to respond to the target message (i.e., the 1588v2 message obtained by filtering and demodulating the superimposed signal in sequence) to obtain a second low-frequency signal, and send the superimposed signal of the second low-frequency signal and the main signal back to the PTP time server to complete the time synchronization within the time synchronization system.

[0046] Since 1588v2 messages do not need to occupy channels to send messages in real time, and the synchronization process takes a very short time, the underwater equipment can be detected and controlled normally during the time when time synchronization is not performed through 1588v2 messages. This process is completely controlled by the LME, and the underwater equipment detection and control function has a higher priority. In the event of a submarine cable failure, the time synchronization process is not performed.

[0047] The time synchronization system provided in this embodiment includes a PTP time server, an LME, and an underwater repeater. The PTP time server is connected to the LME, which is connected to the underwater repeater. The PTP time server is configured to convert a time synchronization signal into a 1588v2 message. The LME is configured to convert the 1588v2 message into a first low-frequency signal, which is then superimposed on a main signal to obtain a superimposed signal. The underwater repeater is configured to transmit the superimposed signal of the second low-frequency signal obtained in response to the 1588v2 message and the main signal back to the PTP time server. By using Precision Time Protocol 1588v2 messages to synchronize the system, the time synchronization signal is transmitted using a superimposed signal method supported by the system without changing the system's functional architecture, thereby reducing the cost of system time synchronization.

[0048] In one embodiment, the PTP time server provided by the embodiment of the present application integrates a first synchronization processing module, wherein:

[0049] The PTP time server is further configured to receive a time synchronization signal sent by a satellite;

[0050] The first synchronization processing module is used to convert the time synchronization signal into the 1588v2 message.

[0051] Specifically, if Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 The first synchronization processing module is integrated in the PTP time server, namely Figure 3 The synchronization processing module within the PTP time server. The PTP time server receives time synchronization signals sent by satellites. The first synchronization processing module converts the time synchronization signals into 1588v2 messages. The PTP time server connects to the LME via a data interface, which can be an Ethernet interface. 1588v2 messages are encapsulated in IP packets.

[0052] In this embodiment, the time synchronization signal is converted into a 1588v2 message of the Precision Time Protocol through a PTP time server.

[0053] In one embodiment, the time synchronization system provided by the embodiment of the present application further includes a submarine line terminal equipment SLTE; the first modulator is integrated in the LME; the SLTE is connected to the LME; wherein:

[0054] The SLTE is configured to generate a main signal and send the main signal to the LME;

[0055] The first modulator is configured to superimpose the first low-frequency signal on the main signal to obtain a superimposed signal.

[0056] Specifically, if Figure 3 As shown, the time synchronization system provided by the present application further includes submarine line terminal equipment (SLTE); a first modulator is integrated in the LME; and the SLTE is connected to the LME.

[0057] The SLTE is used to generate a primary signal, which is then transmitted to the LME via a connection between the SLTE and the LME. The modulator in the LME (i.e., the first modulator in this embodiment) is configured to superimpose the first low-frequency signal on the primary signal to generate a superimposed signal.

[0058] This embodiment superimposes the first low-frequency signal on the main signal through a top-up method supported by all time synchronization systems (i.e., superimposing the low-frequency signal on the main signal), without requiring changes to the time synchronization system, thereby reducing the time synchronization cost of the time synchronization system.

[0059] In one embodiment, the underwater repeater provided by the embodiment of the present application integrates a first filter, a second synchronization processing module, and a second modulator, wherein:

[0060] The first filter is used to filter the superimposed signal to obtain the first low-frequency signal;

[0061] The second synchronization processing module is configured to respond to the 1588v2 message obtained by demodulating the first low-frequency signal to obtain a second low-frequency signal;

[0062] The second modulator is configured to superimpose the second low-frequency signal on the main signal.

[0063] Specifically, if Figure 3 As shown, the underwater repeater provided by the present application integrates a first filter (ie Figure 3 The filter in the underwater repeater), the second synchronization processing module (ie Figure 3 Synchronous processing module in the underwater repeater) and the second modulator (i.e. Figure 3 The first filter is used to filter the superimposed signal to obtain the first low-frequency signal. The second synchronization processing module is used to respond to the 1588v2 message obtained by demodulating the first low-frequency signal to obtain a second low-frequency signal. The second modulator is used to superimpose the second low-frequency signal on the main signal.

[0064] After receiving the main signal, the underwater repeater first filters it using a low-frequency filter to obtain a first low-frequency signal, which is then connected to the second synchronization processing module for processing (including demodulation and decoding). After decoding, the second synchronization processing module responds to the 1588v2 message, generating a small-amplitude low-frequency signal (i.e., the second low-frequency signal in this embodiment), modulating the second low-frequency signal onto the main signal. The superimposed signal of the second low-frequency signal and the main signal is sent back to the PTP time server through the underwater repeater's transmitting optical fiber, completing the time synchronization task of the time synchronization system. To ensure time accuracy, this time synchronization task can be performed multiple times within a certain period of time.

[0065] This embodiment implements the time synchronization task of the time synchronization system by sending and responding to high-precision time protocol messages without changing the structure of the time synchronization system.

[0066] In one embodiment, the LME provided in the embodiment of the present application further integrates a second filter, wherein:

[0067] The second filter is configured to filter a signal obtained by superimposing the second low-frequency signal and the main signal to obtain the second low-frequency signal;

[0068] The LME is further configured to demodulate the second low-frequency signal to obtain a returned 1588v2 message; and send the returned 1588v2 message back to the PTP time server.

[0069] Specifically, if Figure 3 As shown, the LME also integrates a second filter (i.e. Figure 3 The second filter is used to filter the superposition of the second low-frequency signal and the main signal to obtain a second low-frequency signal. The LME is used to demodulate the second low-frequency signal to obtain a returned 1588v2 message. The returned 1588v2 message is sent back to the PTP time server to complete the cycle of sending and receiving 1588v2 messages.

[0070] This embodiment implements the time synchronization task of devices in the time synchronization system through a cycle of sending and receiving 1588v2 messages.

[0071] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 5 : is a flow chart of a time synchronization method in an embodiment of the present application. In one embodiment, the time synchronization method provided in the embodiment of the present application includes:

[0072] Step 100, receiving a time synchronization signal and a main signal;

[0073] Step 200: Convert the time synchronization signal into a 1588v2 message, and process the 1588v2 message to obtain a first low-frequency signal;

[0074] Step 300, superimposing the low-frequency signal and the main signal to obtain a superimposed signal;

[0075] Step 400: Return the signal obtained in response to the target message to the node that obtains the 1588v2 message to complete the time synchronization of the time synchronization system. The target message is a 1588v2 message obtained by filtering and demodulating the superimposed signal.

[0076] Specifically, if Figure 1-3 As shown, based on the time synchronization system, the present application also provides a time synchronization method, including receiving a time synchronization signal and a main signal; converting the time synchronization signal into a 1588v2 message, processing the 1588v2 message to obtain a first low-frequency signal; superimposing the low-frequency signal with the main signal to obtain a superimposed signal; and returning a signal obtained in response to a target message to the node that obtained the 1588v2 message, thereby completing time synchronization of the time synchronization system, wherein the target message is a 1588v2 message obtained by filtering and demodulating the superimposed signal. The main body of the content of each step has been described in detail in the above content.

[0077] The derivation process of the beneficial effects achieved by this application is as follows:

[0078] 1588v2 messages are short and require less bandwidth, so the bandwidth of the top-shifting method fully meets the transmission requirements of 1588v2. Currently, all submarine optical fiber cable systems support the top-shifting method, which is primarily used for performance monitoring of underwater repeaters and remote control and status monitoring of BU branching units. Both LME and BU equipment support the top-shifting method. Some underwater repeaters do not support top-shifting, but can be added with the addition of filters and other components. Therefore, time synchronization within the Smart-Cable system can be achieved at a low cost without significantly modifying the existing Smart-Cable system.

[0079] This embodiment uses Precision Time Protocol 1588v2 messages to synchronize system time. Without changing the system functional architecture, the time synchronization signal is transmitted by superimposing signals supported by the system, thereby reducing the cost of system time synchronization.

[0080] In one embodiment, the time synchronization method provided in the embodiment of the present application may further include:

[0081] Step 210: performing binary encoding and modulation processing on the 1588v2 message in sequence to obtain a first low-frequency signal, wherein the modulation processing includes amplitude modulation processing or frequency modulation processing.

[0082] Specifically, the above encoding and demodulation processes for the 1588v2 message are corresponding, and the filtering process and the superimposed signal processing will not affect the content of the 1588v2 message itself.

[0083] In this embodiment, a first low-frequency signal is obtained by sequentially performing binary encoding and modulation processing on a 1588v2 message.

[0084] Figure 6 The following is an example of a physical structure diagram of a device, such as Figure 6 As shown, the device may include: a processor 610, a communication interface 620, a memory 630, and a communication bus 640, wherein the processor 610, the communication interface 620, and the memory 630 communicate with each other via the communication bus 640. The processor 610 may call a computer program in the memory 630 to execute the steps of the time synchronization method.

[0085] In addition, the logic instructions in the above-mentioned memory 630 can be implemented in the form of a software functional unit and can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium when sold or used as an independent product. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application is essentially or the part that contributes to the prior art or the part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, and the computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including a number of instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes: various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.

[0086] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application further provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the computer can execute the steps of the time synchronization method provided in the above embodiments.

[0087] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, i.e., they may be located in one location or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules may be selected based on actual needs to achieve the objectives of the present embodiment. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will be able to understand and implement the present invention without inventive effort.

[0088] Through the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that each embodiment can be implemented by means of software plus the necessary general hardware platform, or of course, by means of hardware. Based on this understanding, the essence of the above technical solution or the portion that contributes to the prior art can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as ROM / RAM, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, etc., and includes a number of instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute the time synchronization method described in each embodiment or certain parts of the embodiment.

[0089] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A time synchronization system, characterized in that: The time synchronization system includes a Precision Time Protocol (PTP) time server, a line monitoring device (LME), and an underwater repeater; the PTP time server is connected to the LME; the LME is connected to the underwater repeater; wherein: The PTP time server is used to convert the received time synchronization signal into a Precision Time Protocol 1588v2 message; The LME is configured to convert the 1588v2 message into a first low-frequency signal, and superimpose the first low-frequency signal on a main signal to obtain a superimposed signal, where the main signal is received by the LME; The underwater repeater is used to respond to the target message to obtain a second low-frequency signal, and send the signal of the second low-frequency signal superimposed on the main signal back to the PTP time server. The target message is a 1588v2 message obtained by filtering and demodulating the superimposed signal in sequence.

2. The time synchronization system according to claim 1, characterized in that The PTP time server integrates a first synchronization processing module, wherein: The PTP time server is further configured to receive a time synchronization signal sent by a satellite; The first synchronization processing module is used to convert the time synchronization signal into the 1588v2 message.

3. The time synchronization system according to claim 1, characterized in that The time synchronization system further includes a submarine line terminal equipment SLTE; the LME is integrated with a first modulator; the SLTE is connected to the LME; wherein: The SLTE is configured to generate a main signal and send the main signal to the LME; The first modulator is configured to superimpose the first low-frequency signal on the main signal to obtain a superimposed signal.

4. The time synchronization system according to claim 1, characterized in that The underwater repeater integrates a first filter, a second synchronization processing module and a second modulator, wherein: The first filter is used to filter the superimposed signal to obtain the first low-frequency signal; The second synchronization processing module is configured to respond to the 1588v2 message obtained by demodulating the first low-frequency signal to obtain a second low-frequency signal; The second modulator is configured to superimpose the second low-frequency signal on the main signal.

5. The time synchronization system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The LME also integrates a second filter, wherein: The second filter is configured to filter a signal obtained by superimposing the second low-frequency signal and the main signal to obtain the second low-frequency signal; The LME is further configured to demodulate the second low-frequency signal to obtain a returned 1588v2 message; and send the returned 1588v2 message back to the PTP time server.

6. A time synchronization method, characterized in that: Applied to the time synchronization system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the time synchronization method includes: Receive time synchronization signal and main signal; Converting the time synchronization signal into a 1588v2 message, and processing the 1588v2 message to obtain a first low-frequency signal; Superimposing the low-frequency signal and the main signal to obtain a superimposed signal; The second low-frequency signal obtained in response to the target message is superimposed on the main signal and returned to the node that obtains the 1588v2 message to complete the time synchronization of the time synchronization system. The target message is a 1588v2 message obtained by filtering and demodulating the superimposed signal.

7. The time synchronization method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The processing of the 1588v2 message to obtain the first low-frequency signal includes: The 1588v2 message is sequentially subjected to binary encoding and modulation processing to obtain a first low-frequency signal, wherein the modulation processing includes amplitude modulation processing or frequency modulation processing.

8. An electronic device comprising a processor and a memory storing a computer program, characterized in that: When the processor executes the computer program, the time synchronization method according to any one of claims 6 or 7 is implemented.

9. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that: When the computer program is executed by a processor, the time synchronization method according to any one of claims 6 or 7 is implemented.

10. A computer program product comprising a computer program, characterized in that When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the time synchronization method according to any one of claims 6 or 7 are implemented.

Images