Timestamping device and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a timestamping device and method. The device comprises: - a first interface with a first network for communicating with a first terminal unit (T1); - a second interface with a second network for communicating with one or more units (P2, SH1, SH2) of the second network; - one or more processors configured together or separately to: - update (S0) an internal clock of the device on the basis of a first item of reference time information obtained from one or more units (SH1) of the second network; - receive (S1) at least a first message (MES_1) from the first terminal unit (T1) through the first interface, which message is intended to be transmitted to one or more second devices (P2, T2) through the second network; - timestamp (S2) the at least first message using at least a first item of timestamp information (HRE) obtained from an internal clock, the first item of timestamp information (HRE) relating to a time of receiving the first message in the device; and - transmit (S3) the at least first message through the second interface to the second network; - receive (S4, S4') at least a second item of timestamp information determined from an internal clock of one of the second devices which is obtained from a second item of reference time information, the second item of timestamp information (HTR) relating to a time of receiving the first message (MES_1) in one of the second devices (P2).

Description

Description Title of the invention: time-stamping device and method Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a timestamping method for timestamping messages in a network. Prior art

[0002] The use of telecommunications networks by industrial companies imposes increasingly high performance requirements on networks to meet the constraints and requirements of sensitive applications, including but not limited to applications related to energy distribution and production. The introduction of cellular networks in industrial processes, replacing wired networks, requires network operators to monitor more closely the reliability and transfer time of data relating to these processes in the network, since transfer time in wired networks is generally more predictable than in cellular networks.

[0003] A challenge for telecommunications operators is not only to maintain the expected performance on the technical chain for which they are responsible but also to be able to provide proof of the achievement of this performance.

[0004] This disclosure helps meet this need. Statement of the invention

[0005] For this purpose, a communication device is proposed comprising - a first interface with a first network for communicating with a first terminal device - a second interface with a second network different from the first network to communicate with one or more devices of said second network - one or more processors configured together or separately to: - updating an internal clock of the device from a first reference time information obtained from one or more devices of said second network, - receive at least a first message from said first terminal equipment at through said first interface intended to be transmitted to one or more second devices through the second network, - timestamp said at least first message using at least one first time stamp information obtained from said one internal clock, said first time stamp information relating to a date of receipt of said first message in the device and, - transmitting said at least first message through said second interface to said second network, - receive at least one second time stamp information determined from an internal clock of one of said second devices obtained from a second reference time information, said second time stamp information relating to a date of reception of said first message in one of said second devices.

[0006] Thus, the present disclosure advantageously makes it possible to have, in an access gateway, timestamp information relating to messages transmitted by a terminal to another terminal through this access gateway via the second network. This timestamp information can for example allow the gateway, or a terminal connected to the gateway, to monitor the transfer times in the second network or the chronology of the transferred messages. This can advantageously allow the gateway to provide a timestamp service to a terminal connected to the gateway which uses the services of a communication network to transfer messages.When the messages must be routed on the second network according to a maximum latency time determined and guaranteed by the gateway, it is then possible to verify that this guarantee is respected, this verification being able to be made by the gateway or by the terminal from the timestamp information. Thus, the present disclosure makes it possible to verify the latency time in the second network, for each message, and possibly to raise an alarm to the network operator when the latency time is greater than a latency time that the operator had guaranteed to the terminal or to the service subscribed to by the terminal.

[0007] According to certain embodiments the device is configured to determine a transfer time in said second network from said first timestamp information and said second timestamp information.

[0008] Advantageously, the timestamp information can make it possible to determine a transfer time in the second network, for example cellular, to which the gateway is connected. Thus, it is possible to have in the gateway, for each message or for certain messages, the transfer time in the network. This information relating to the transfer time can advantageously be compared to a guaranteed transfer time (or guaranteed latency time) by the operator of the second network to the first terminal and if this measured transfer time is greater, to raise an alarm to the operator and / or to the first terminal or service subscribed to by this first terminal. Upon receipt of this alarm, it may be considered to modify or intervene on one or more network devices to allow the operation of this subscribed service to be guaranteed again.

[0009] According to certain embodiments, the device is configured to associate at least one first piece of quality information with said first time-stamp information and - receive at least a second quality information linked to said second timestamp information.

[0010] Advantageously, the addition of quality information can make it possible to indicate the quality of the timestamp information. In certain embodiments, this quality information can be information relating to the quality of the first or second reference time information, or even linked to the devices which distribute this reference time information. In certain embodiments, this quality information can be a precision class of these terminals which distribute reference time information.

[0011] According to certain embodiments the device is configured to transmit to a timestamp base at least one or more of: - said first message, said at least one associated time stamp information and said at least one first quality information - said at least one second time stamp information and said at least one second quality information.

[0012] This makes it possible to centralize the timestamp information and make it available to multiple devices in the second network. It is also possible to archive the timestamp information and associated quality information for later use, particularly in the event of proof for the operator of the second network, to prove that it has, for example, respected guarantees in terms of transfer time in its network.

[0013] According to certain embodiments the device is configured to transmit to said first client terminal - said first time stamp information and said at least one first associated quality information, - said second timestamp information and said at least one second associated quality information.

[0014] According to this embodiment, it is possible for the client terminal to have access to the time stamp information of the messages that it transmits through the second network and to ensure that the communications operator that it uses can guarantee a transfer time of the messages in the network while respecting a latency time that suits it.

[0015] According to certain embodiments, the device is configured to receive said at least one second time stamp information and said at least one second associated quality information from either said at least one second device or said time stamp database.

[0016] According to certain embodiments, the device is configured to obtain said first reference time information from the reception and transmission of one or more messages with a first timestamping server of said second network.

[0017] According to certain embodiments, said second reference time information is obtained from the reception and transmission of one or more messages between a second timestamp server and said at least one second device, said first timestamp server and said second timestamp server being synchronized on the same time reference.

[0018] This can make it easier to determine the transfer time in the second network when both reference time information comes from the same time reference.

[0019] According to certain embodiments, the first terminal equipment is a remote action device for monitoring an electrical network, said first message being a message characterizing said electrical network such as a fault alert message of said electrical network or a normal operation message of said electrical network.

[0020] In the particular context of teleaction, the message transfer time in a network is sometimes critical. When communication networks are wired, it is often possible to guarantee message transfer times so as not to exceed thresholds that would be critical in terms of transfer time. Guaranteeing a transfer time when the networks are cellular can sometimes be more complex and teleaction services may need a guarantee that the networks used to transfer teleaction messages can meet this need at all times. Thus, the provision of message timestamp information in the network can advantageously allow such services or terminals using such services to verify that the transfer times are consistent with those expected.

[0021] According to some embodiments the device is configured to - receive at least one request from said first terminal for access to the timestamp information relating to at least one of said first messages, - verify the access rights of said first terminal to said timestamp information - transmitting said timestamp information or time information determined from said timestamp information to said first terminal when said first terminal has access rights to said time information.

[0022] Advantageously, it may be possible for the timestamp information to be made available for certain services only, for example terminals having subscribed to such a service with the communications operator of the second network or terminals of a service provider having subscribed to a teleaction service with the operator. This also makes it possible to limit the number of messages transmitted on the network and therefore the load induced.

[0023] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a communication method implemented in an access gateway, said access gateway comprising - a first interface with a first network to communicate with a first terminal device - a second interface with a second network different from the first network for communicating with one or more devices of said second network, said method comprising - updating an internal clock of the access gateway obtained from first reference time information from one or more devices of said second network, - receiving at least one first message from said first terminal equipment through said first interface intended to be transmitted to one or more second devices through the second network, - the timestamping of said at least first message using at least one first time stamp information obtained from said one internal clock, said first time stamp information relating to a date of reception of said first message in the device and - the transmission of said at least first message through said second interface to said second network, - receiving at least one second time stamp information determined from an internal clock of one of said second devices obtained from a second reference time information, said second time stamp information relating to a date of reception of said first message in one of said second devices.

[0024] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program comprising instructions for executing the steps of the method according to the invention when said program is executed by a computer.

[0025] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the method according to the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0026] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 represents a first example of a network architecture capable of implementing embodiments of the present invention,

[0027] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 shows a second example of a network architecture that can implement embodiments of the present invention,

[0028] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 shows a third example of a network architecture that can implement embodiments of the present invention,

[0029] [Fig. 4a] Figure 4a represents a schematic view of the architecture of Figure 1 involving a single telecommunications operator,

[0030] [Fig. 4b] Figure 4b represents a schematic view of the architecture of Figure 1 involving two telecommunications operators,

[0031] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 shows a first embodiment of the present invention,

[0032] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of the present invention,

[0033] [Fig. 7] Figure 7 shows a third embodiment of the present invention,

[0034] [Fig. 8] Figure 8 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention,

[0035] [Fig. 9] Figure 9 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description given below, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate an exemplary embodiment thereof without any limiting character. Description of the embodiments

[0037] This description refers, for illustrative purposes, to cellular networks and more particularly to networks conforming to the standardized 5G system, but this constitutes only an example of an embodiment and cannot be limited to the use of such networks and associated protocols.

[0038] The present invention can be used as an example in teleaction or teleprotection applications, but this application is given for illustrative purposes. Teleaction applications are used in particular to control the ingestion of electricity from an energy producer to the distribution network of an energy distributor. The energy distributor continuously monitors the quality of the power line connecting the energy producer. The distributor therefore sends a message at regular intervals from a teleaction box. with two possible values, one indicating that there is no fault detected on the line and the other indicating that there is a fault detected. The frequency of sending these messages can depend on several factors, typically it can be 5ms. When the energy producer's box receives several consecutive messages indicating that there is a fault detected, the energy producer is disconnected from the electricity distribution network as long as the electrical fault is detected.

[0039] One of the challenges for telecommunications operators is to ensure that exchanged messages are exchanged with a latency below a certain threshold. Indeed, the application to the example of teleaction given above shows the importance of the temporal reliability of the information received and of being able to react quickly when faults are detected. The latency time in the network is therefore a piece of data that must be controlled, both for the operator and for the services using the networks of this operator.

[0040] It is therefore important for a telecommunications operator whose network is used for applications requiring controlled transfer times to be able to guarantee latency in the network and to prove that the network has the expected performance in terms of latency.

[0041] One of the objectives of this disclosure is therefore to enable the telecommunications operator to measure the transfer time in its network from end to end and to be able to provide proof, to the user services of its network, whether or not it has respected the transfer times that it undertakes to guarantee.

[0042] Figure 1 shows a first example of a network architecture that can implement embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 1 represents an embodiment based on a 5G type cellular telecommunications network but could be applied to other communication networks, compatible with other communication architectures, and in particular future 6G type architectures and subsequent generations.

[0044] Figure 1 illustrates more specifically the interconnection of two remote terminals, terminal T1 and terminal T2, connected via the telecommunications operator's network. The two terminals T1 and T2 are, for example, electronic devices, such as computers, servers or loT (Internet of Things) modules, or even smartphones.

[0045] The terminal Tl is connected to a PI access gateway provided by the telecommunications operator. This connection can be made for example via an Ethernet network, wired or wireless, such as a Wi-Fi network, Bluetooth or other network. The PI gateway is an access gateway one of the characteristics of which is to be able to interconnect on the one hand to the local network to which the terminal Tl is connected, for example via a first network interface and on the other hand to the network of the telecommunications operator via a second network interface.

[0046] Similarly, the T2 terminal is connected to a P2 access gateway provided by the telecommunications operator. This connection can be made, for example, via an Ethernet network, wired or wireless, such as a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or other network. The P2 gateway is an access gateway, one of the characteristics of which is to be able to interconnect on the one hand to the local network to which the T2 terminal is connected, for example via a first network interface, and on the other hand to the telecommunications operator's network via a second network interface.

[0047] The local networks to which the terminals T1 and T2 are connected may be different from each other.

[0048] In the case of the application of the present invention to teleaction, the terminals T1 and T2 can be teleaction devices.

[0049] In the case of Figure 1 in which the telecommunications operator's network is a 5G network, the second interface of the PI and P2 gateways allows them to communicate with each other using this system through the operator's network.

[0050] The gateways PI and P2 are configured to implement a timestamping method as proposed by the present disclosure and as described with reference to Figures 5 to 9. As such, the gateways PI and P2 may be called timestamping gateways.

[0051] The telecommunications operator's network comprises a plurality of network devices, only some of which are shown in Figure 1 and Figures 2 to 4b.

[0052] The network includes equipment present in the access and transport network part of the operator's network. This equipment may include one or more antennas compatible with the communication system used in the network, for example 5G, as well as one or more SHI, SH2 time-stamping servers.

[0053] The timestamp server(s) SHI, SH2 are configured to communicate with the access gateways PI and P2. A single server can communicate with both gateways or two servers can each communicate with one gateway. When two timestamp servers are used, both timestamp servers are synchronized to the same time reference.

[0054] Time stamp servers are configured to transmit time stamp information or streams to the PI and P2 gateways, for example using MIP (Master Information Block) or SIB (System Information Block) messages. Time stamp servers are, for example, synchronization servers present in 5G communication networks to which time stamping functionalities are added.

[0055] Thus, the PI and P2 time stamping gateways can be synchronized on the same time scale.

[0056] The communication network may also comprise a 5G core network which may comprise a UPF (User Plane Function) server and an information system which may comprise a timestamp database. The timestamp database may advantageously record timestamp information on messages exchanged between the gateways PI and P2 or between the terminals T1 and T2, in the context of the present disclosure. This information will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9.

[0057] Figure 2 represents a second example of a network architecture that can implement embodiments of the present invention. In Figure 2, the terminal T1 and the gateway P1 are a single terminal, as are the terminal T2 and the gateway P2. The other elements of Figure 2 are identical to those bearing the same references in Figure 1 and will not be described in more detail here. Of course, in certain embodiments, the terminal T1 and the PI gateway can be confused while the T2 terminal and the P2 gateway are not or vice versa.

[0058] When the terminal T1 and the access gateway PI form a single device, the terminal T1 is then configured to implement a method as described by the present disclosure, and does not require additional timestamping gateways. In this case, the terminal T1 (or the terminal T2) is configured to timestamp the messages, for example teleaction messages, from information provided by the timestamping server(s).

[0059] Figure 3 represents a third example of a network architecture that can implement embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, two teleaction devices, teleaction-device_1 and teleaction-device_2, are connected respectively to the gateways PI and P2. The gateway PI can for example interface the energy distributor to the communication network and the gateway P2 interfaces the energy producer to the communication network. In addition, a third terminal, metering-device, is also located in the domain of the energy producer and connected to the gateway P2. This third terminal can provide metering services for the energy supplied by the energy producer to the energy distributor. For this purpose, an information system, connected to the network of the operator, can comprise a metering base for exchanging data and messages with the metering device of the energy producer.The counting device may also benefit from the timestamping services provided by the timestamping server(s).

[0060] In other embodiments, in addition to the metering service, flexibility services, such as peak shaving applied by the energy distributor to the energy consumer, may be provided.

[0061] In other embodiments, the time-stamping gateways may be used by other services implemented in the networks connected to the operator's network via these gateways. Among these services, the synchronization of robots or industrial processes within factories may be envisaged.

[0062] Figures 4a and 4b schematically illustrate two embodiments comprising respectively a single telecommunications operator and two telecommunications operators. Figure 4a corresponds to another representation of the environment described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 in which the access gateways PI and P2 are connected to each other by a single telecommunications operator. Figure 4b illustrates an embodiment in which the gateways PI and P2 are replaced respectively by gateways P1A and P2A which are also time-stamping gateways like the gateways PI and P2. The gateway P1A interfaces the terminal T1 to the network of a first telecom operator and the gateway P2A interfaces the network of a second telecom operator to the terminal T2. This embodiment can be implemented when the energy supplier and the energy distributor have not subscribed to a subscription with the same telecommunications operator or more generally when the holder of the terminal T1 and the holder of the terminal T2 have not subscribed to a subscription with the same telecommunications operator.The two networks are interconnected with each other via two PIB and P2B gateways connected respectively to the first network and to the second P2B gateway and on the other hand to the second network and to the first PIB gateway. In this embodiment, two SHA and SHB timestamp servers located respectively within the network of the first operator and of the second operator can be synchronized on the same UTC time reference (acronym for "Universal Time. Coordinated”) to allow measurement of the transfer time between the PIB and P2B, P1A and P2A gateways or the T1 and T2 terminals.

[0063] In some embodiments, the two timestamp bases BH1 and BH2 may be shared in the sense that they may each record timestamped data relating to at least each of the two telecommunications operators.

[0064] In some embodiments, the two databases are dedicated to each operator in the sense that they only record time-stamped data relating to the telecommunications network to which they are connected. The time-stamping information relating to the same message can be reconciled using, for example, a message identifier, for example a message sequence identifier or another message header that can identify it and differentiate it from other messages, i.e. a unique identifier for the message.

[0065] Figure 5 represents an embodiment of a method according to the present disclosure and which can for example be implemented by one or other of the architectural examples given in the preceding figures. The steps of this method are implemented within the PI gateway, but could quite easily be implemented in the same way, within the P2 gateway.

[0066] Figures 5 to 9 show two timestamp servers SH1 and SH2. These two timestamp servers are then synchronized to the same UTC time reference.

[0067] In other embodiments, both servers SH1 and SH2 may be replaced by a single timestamp server.

[0068] The gateways PI and P2 exchange messages with the timestamp servers SH1 and SH2, respectively. These messages can be exchanged periodically between the gateways and the timestamp servers. By periodic, we mean regularly or not, at regular intervals or not. The aim here is to guarantee synchronization, and the more regular the messages, the finer the synchronization.

[0069] These messages contain reference time information, i.e. a precise indication of time, for example UTC time, allowing the internal clock of the gateway to be updated and determining time stamp information HRE for the PI gateway and HTR for the T2 gateway, determined from their internal clock. A first reference time information is obtained by the PI gateway and a second reference time information is obtained by the P2 gateway.

[0070] In some embodiments, this first reference time information and this second reference time information may be identical and may be the UTC time reference. In other embodiments, these two time information are different and synchronized.

[0071] According to certain embodiments, these messages include, in addition to this precise indication of time, quality information associated with this precise indication of time, for example an associated precision class.

[0072] In some embodiments, accuracy classes may be defined and standardized. This is the case, for example, in the ITU-T G8275.1 standard. used in telecommunications networks for the needs of 5G which equipment can comply with according to certain embodiments.

[0073] The aforementioned time information can also be transmitted in messages compatible with time-setting protocols, such as the PTP protocol (acronym for "precision time protocol") of the IEEE-1588 standard. In the context of the 5G standard, the PTP protocol used is defined by the ITU-T under the reference G.8275.1.

[0074] The transmission of time information between the gateways P1, P2 and the timestamp servers SH1 and SH2 is illustrated by a single step S0, which as previously indicated is in reality repeated several times, periodically. In the figures, this is illustrated by the Mhref messages and according to certain embodiments, as previously indicated, these messages illustrate the transmission of time information via PTP protocols.

[0075] Updating the internal clock of the gateways PI and P2 from the reference time information obtained respectively from the timestamp servers SH1 and SH2 can also take into account the propagation time between the timestamp servers and the gateways. The propagation time can be calculated by the gateways PI and P2 from the exchange of bidirectional messages with their respective server SH1 or SH2. For this purpose, the propagation time can be determined by measuring the round-trip transfer time between a gateway and the timestamp server and dividing this time by two, without taking into account the asymmetry that may exist between the forward transfer time and the return transfer time.

[0076] This propagation time can, for example, be added to the reference time information to obtain the gateway's internal clock.

[0077] Then the terminal T1 sends a message MES_1 to one or more devices on the network, step SI. In the example shown in Figure 5, the message is intended for the terminal T2. When the method is implemented in an architecture such as that illustrated in Figure 2, we note that the terminal T1 and the gateway PI are merged, just as the terminal T2 and the gateway P2 may or may not be merged. When the gateway PI and the terminal T1 are confused, then the SI step does not exist, the MES_1 message is transmitted to the terminal T2 from the PI gateway.

[0078] During a step S2, the gateway PI timestamps the message MES_1 using at least its internal clock, set to the time from at least a first reference time information obtained during step S0. This reference time information can be obtained from one or more devices of the second network and in particular from the timestamp server SH1.

[0079] The timestamp of the MES_1 message includes the association, or insertion, of a timestamp information, HRE, to the MES_1 message.

[0080] In some embodiments, the PI gateway timestamps the MES_1 message using not only the timestamp information HRE but also using quality information, for example an associated precision class clockclass_HRE.

[0081] Preferably, the time stamp information HRE corresponds to the time of reception of the MES_1 message in the PI gateway. When the PI gateway and the terminal T1 are the same, HRE can correspond to the time of transmission of the MES_1 message by the PI gateway on the communication network.

[0082] In step S3, the message MES_1 is transmitted to the gateway P2. The message MES_1 can then be transmitted to the terminal T2 when it is addressed to it (or to several terminals such as the terminal T2 or terminals located behind gateways identical to the gateway P2), step S3'. It may be noted that the message MES_1 transmitted to the gateway P2 or to the terminal T2 is not necessarily transmitted with the first time stamp information before being transmitted. In such an embodiment, steps S3 and S3' can be carried out before step S2.

[0083] The gateway PI receives, step S4, a second time stamp information, HTR from the second gateway P2 relating to the message MES_1. The gateway P2 generates the time stamp information HTR using its internal clock, set to the time from the reference time information exchanged via the messages of type Mhref.

[0084] The internal clocks of the PI gateway and the P2 gateway are advantageously updated regularly or periodically. As indicated previously, by periodic we mean regularly or not, at regular interval or not. This is to ensure synchronization and the more regular the messages, the finer the synchronization.

[0085] The second timestamp information can be received in different formats or in different messages.

[0086] In some embodiments, the second timestamp information is associated with the MES_1 message by being inserted into the MES_1 message which is forwarded to the PI gateway by the P2 gateway.

[0087] In some embodiments, the second timestamp information is transmitted to the PI gateway in another message, different from the MES_1 message, in which an identifier of the MES_1 message is also inserted allowing the PI gateway to associate the second timestamp information received with the MES_1 message.

[0088] The second timestamp information can also be associated with a second quality information, clockclass_HTR, for example a precision class.

[0089] Preferably, the HTR timestamp information corresponds to the time of reception of the MES_1 message in the P2 gateway if the message is intended for the P2 gateway or the time of retransmission of the MES_1 message to the T2 terminal when the message is intended for it and the T2 terminal is separate from the P2 gateway.

[0090] The PI gateway has the first time stamp information HRE and the second time stamp information HTR, as well as, when transmitted or determined, quality information such as the accuracy class. The PI gateway can therefore determine the transfer time of the MES_1 message in the communication network. This determination can, for example, consist of differentiating between HTR and HRE.

[0091] Thus, the PI and P2 gateways advantageously include timestamping functions that can be used by one or more applications that need them, in particular information relating to transfer times in the network.

[0092] Figure 6 represents a second embodiment in which steps S0, S1, S2, S3, S3' and S4 are repeated and are not described here.

[0093] Figure 6 illustrates more specifically the use of a timestamp database allowing the recording of timestamp data, in particular the first and second timestamp data, namely HRE and HTR, but also the associated quality information.

[0094] The method comprises transmitting, in step S5, the first time stamp information HRE to the timestamp database. In addition to the first time stamp information, the associated quality information, clockclass_HRE, may also be transmitted to the timestamp database. Step S5 may advantageously be replaced by a step S5' in which, in addition to the first time stamp information, the second time stamp information may also be transmitted, as well as the first and second quality information, clockclass_HRE and clockclass_HTR. Thus, the timestamp database may associate the at least two time stamp information items with the message MES_1 or with an identifier, for example a sequence identifier, relating to the message MES_1. These two items of information may advantageously make it possible to determine and subsequently transmit, thanks to their recording, the transfer time in the communication network.

[0095] Step S5 may also be followed, or preceded by, a step S6 or simultaneous with a step S6 in which the second time stamp information HTR is transmitted by the gateway P2 to the time stamp base. It may be transmitted with the second quality information, clockclass_HTR.

[0096] In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, step S4 can be replaced by a step S4', consecutive either to step S5' or to step S6. In this step S4', the second timestamp information, HTR, and possibly the second quality information clockclass_HTR, is transmitted to the PI gateway by the timestamp base.

[0097] As indicated previously with reference to step S4, in steps S4', S5, S5', S6, the second timestamp information HTR and the first timestamp information HRE (and possibly the associated quality information clockclass_HRE and clockclass_HTR) can be transmitted to the PI gateway or to the timestamp base, in another message different from the MES_1 message in which an identifier of the MES_1 message is also inserted allowing the PI gateway to associate the second timestamp information received with the MES_1 message.

[0098] Figure 7 represents another embodiment in which the gateway PI transmits the timestamp information to the terminal T1, step S9. This step S9 can advantageously allow the terminal T1 to have information relating to the transfer time of the packets in the communication network that it uses. The terminal T1 can thus ensure that the transfer conditions guaranteed by the communication network comply with requirements that it would have towards the communication network. Likewise, this can advantageously allow the communication network to provide information relating to the transfer time of packets in the network.

[0099] According to certain embodiments, the information transmitted during step S9 is time information determined from the timestamp information. Thus, the gateway PI can determine, for each or some of the MES_1 messages, its transfer time in the network, and transfer this information during step S9 to the terminal T1. This information can be transmitted in the retransmitted MES_1 message or in other messages, the determined time information being able to be associated with a message identifier so as to be able to be associated with the MES_1 message by the terminal T1.

[0100] Figure 8 represents another embodiment in which the client terminal T1 requests from the gateway PI, step S7, the timestamp information associated with one or more messages MES_1. This embodiment differs from that of Figure 7 in that the gateway PI only transmits the time information relating to the messages transmitted by the terminal T1 to the terminal T2 upon request from the terminal T1.

[0101] In certain embodiments, during a step S8, the timestamping gateway PI can verify the access rights of the terminal T1 from an identifier of the terminal T1, identifiers of the messages concerned and possible security information associated with the communication network.

[0102] In certain embodiments, this verification of access rights may consist of a verification that the terminal T1 is subscribed to a teleaction service and that, as a result, it can verify the transfer times of the teleaction messages in the communication network.

[0103] In some embodiments, this verification of access rights may be the verification that the request made by the terminal T1 complies with a frequency of requests subscribed for the service. If this is not the case, the request is rejected.

[0104] When the access rights verification indicates that the terminal T1 has the right to access the requested timestamp information, the gateway PI transfers the timestamp information or information relating to this timestamp information (for example the transfer time calculated by the gateway) to the terminal T1, step S9. Figure 8 shows the transmission of a message MES_1 as well as timestamp information HRE, HTR, Clockclass_HRE and Clockclass_HTR. However, as mentioned previously, the transmission of the timestamp information and associated quality information can be carried out in a message different from the message MES_1, being associated with an identifier of the message MES_1 so that the terminal T1 can associate the received timestamp information with the message MES_1.

[0105] Figure 9 represents another embodiment in which, following step S7, the request from the client terminal is transmitted to the timestamp database, step S7'. This can be particularly advantageous to avoid the gateway PI having to keep all the timestamp information, the timestamp database having sufficient capacity to record it and distribute it to one or more client terminals. This step can also be implemented when the request sent by the terminal T1 relates to old messages for which the gateway PI has not kept the associated timestamp information. The control of the access rights to the timestamp information can be carried out by the timestamp database, step S8', which replaces step S8 of the embodiment of Figure 8.When the access rights verification indicates that the terminal T1 has the right to access the requested timestamp information, the timestamp base transfers the timestamp information to the terminal T1, step S9'. As in step S9 described previously, the information transmitted during step S9' is time information determined from the timestamp information. Thus, the gateway PI can determine, for each or some of the MES_1 messages, its transfer time in the network, and transfer this information during step S9 to the terminal T1. This information can be transmitted in the retransmitted MES_1 message or in others. messages, the determined time information being able to be associated with a message identifier so that it can be associated with the message MES_1 by the terminal T1.

[0106] As indicated previously, in the embodiments and figures 1 to 9, the terminal T1 can be a remote action device present at an energy distributor, the terminal T2 being a remote action terminal present at the energy supplier. The messages MES_1 can be remote action messages, that is to say messages which characterize the electrical network such as a fault alert message or a message indicating normal operation of the electrical network.

[0107] Teleaction messages are particularly important and therefore require reliability in their routing. One of the challenges for the telecommunications network is to be able to guarantee the requested transfer time. Thus, as described previously, with reference to Figures 8 and 9, a teleaction terminal T1 can transmit a request to the PI gateway in order to obtain information relating to the transfer time of teleaction messages in the network.

[0108] On the one hand, the network can monitor the transfer time of a message in the network and observe the evolution of this transfer time over time. This can advantageously allow the network to detect an anomaly in the network, a congestion problem, a network equipment problem.

[0109] On the other hand, the network operator can prove, if necessary, to a network user that it has guaranteed a message transfer time in accordance with its commitment when it undertakes to transmit packets with a guaranteed maximum latency.

[0110] In the embodiments presented above, the quality parameters used may depend on protocols used in the communication network. The IEEE1588-2019 and ITU-TG.8275 standards may for example propose the following quality parameter for the clockclass_HRE or clockclass_HTR parameter: [YES] In some embodiments, quality information, such as clockClass, is transmitted in each "Announce" message as determined by the PTP protocol and is transmitted through network master ports.

[0112] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure therefore relates to a communication device, for example a modem or an access gateway between a first network, local network, and a second network, cellular network, comprising - a first interface with the local network for communicating with a first terminal device, the terminal device being capable of implementing at least one service, and for example a remote action service for monitoring an electrical network, - a second interface with the second network to communicate with one or more devices of the second network, - one or more processors configured together or separately to: - updating an internal time clock obtained from a first reference time information of one or more devices of said second network, the update being able to be carried out regularly over time - receive at least a first message from said first terminal equipment through said first interface intended to be transmitted to one or more second devices through the second network, - timestamp said at least first message using first timestamp information determined from said internal time clock, - transmitting said at least first message through said second interface to the second network, - receive at least one second time stamp information determined from of a second internal clock of one of said second devices, said second time stamp information relating to a date of reception of said first message in one of said second devices, and said second internal clock being updated from a second reference time information obtained from one or more devices of said second network - determine at least one transfer time of the first message in the second network - transmit to the first terminal at least one piece of information relating to the transfer time, the transmission possibly following a request for this information by a service present in the first terminal.

[0113] The service present in the first terminal is, for example, an electricity network management service.

[0114] As mentioned previously, the terminal T1 can implement the teleaction service and, as such, subscribe to a service from the telecommunications operator for transporting teleaction messages through the operator's communications network. The terminal T1 requests a guarantee that the teleaction messages are transmitted while respecting a certain maximum latency time in the network and can request verification that the network can guarantee this latency time for the transmitted teleaction messages.

[0115] The access gateway can provide a time-stamping service for messages exchanged between the two terminals T1 and T2 managing an electrical network. The teleaction messages exchanged for which the transfer time is particularly important to monitor, inform the remote terminal that there is, for example, a fault at the energy producer.

[0116] This disclosure allows the verification of this latency time by the terminal T1 following the sending of timestamp information or information relating to this timestamp or transfer time information obtained from this timestamp information, by the gateway PI. It also allows the telecommunications operator to provide proof that it is indeed respecting this latency time for each or more teleaction messages.

[0117] Thus, following steps S9 or S9', the terminal T1 can compare the time information transmitted by the gateway PI with maximum latency information (or a range of acceptable transfer time values) that it wishes for the transport of messages in the network, and signal to the network operator by sending a message through the PI gateway, that this transfer time is not respected. This maximum latency information in the network represents the maximum switching time of a teleaction packet in the network to guarantee operation of the teleaction service.

[0118] In certain embodiments, it is not the terminal T1 but the gateway PI which verifies that the effective switching time of a teleaction packet in the network is less than or equal to the switching time guaranteeing the operation of the teleaction service.

[0119] The verification consists of comparing for one or more MES_1 messages, the actual time, obtained for example by taking the difference between HTR and HRE, and the time determined by the teleaction service to guarantee the operation of the teleaction service.

[0120] Following the verification, a message may be transmitted to the telecommunications network operator, and to the teleaction service, or to the energy distributor. When the verification determines that the effective time does not guarantee the operation of the teleaction service, an alarm may be generated to the first terminal and / or to the network operator and the network operator may intervene on one or more network devices to ensure the operation of this service again. The alarm transmitted to the telecommunications network operator may trigger a notification to the supervision system of this operator to initiate the necessary investigations and thus return to normal operation.

[0121] The alarm transmitted to the energy distributor can trigger an emergency mode for the Tl terminal. There is also a notification, via this Tl terminal, to the energy distributor's supervision system to possibly modify the distribution policy for the geographical plate concerned during this abnormal operation.

[0122] The PI and P2 access gateways can support messages conforming to the PTP protocol to update their internal clock from the time information transmitted by the timestamp server(s). The PI and P2 gateways can also transmit messages conforming to the “GOOSE” protocol (acronym for “Generic Object-Oriented Substation Events”) according to the international standard IEC 61850.

[0123] The MES_1 messages described above can therefore be GOOSE messages transmitted between the terminal T1 and the gateway PI on an Ethernet network and then transmitted, in an encapsulated manner, on a cellular communication network, for example 5G. The GOOSE messages can, for example, be transmitted using the UDP protocol in the 5G network.

[0124] Thus, advantageously, the teleaction messages usually exchanged on Ethernet networks can be encapsulated in UDP messages on the communication network between the two gateways PI and P2. The present disclosure can make it possible to control the transfer time of these messages in the communication network, and to provide information to the terminal T1 whether this transfer time is respected or not if the operator of the telecommunications network has made commitments relating to this transfer time.

[0125] Of course, the method described also applies to services other than teleaction services, such as the industry of the future, mobility services, and supply chains. In particular, the implementation of a timestamping function in the network interface advantageously makes it possible to interconnect several areas of responsibility. The example given in Figure 4b, showing the interconnection of several networks, can be generalized to a plurality of actors. Concretely, in the field of industry and supply chains, it may involve a timestamping mechanism for the entire transformation chain of a manufactured product. This product may therefore be required to transit between networks of different types, such as outdoor cellular networks for pre-assembly, then a private cellular network inside the factory walls for machining, then shipment for delivery outside the factory.

Claims

Claims

1. Communication device (PI) comprising - a first interface with a first network to communicate with a first terminal device (Tl) - a second interface with a second network different from the first network to communicate with one or more devices (P2, SHI, SH2) of said second network - one or more processors configured together or separately to: - updating (SO) an internal clock of the device from a first reference time information obtained from one or more devices (SH1) of said second network, - receive (SI) at least one first message (MES_1) from said first terminal equipment (Tl) through said first interface intended to be transmitted to one or more second devices (P2, T2) through the second network, - timestamp (S2) said at least first message using at least one first time stamp information (HRE) obtained from said one internal clock, said first time stamp information (HRE) relating to a date of reception of said first message in the device and, - transmitting (S3) said at least first message through said second interface to said second network, - receiving (S4, S4') at least one second time stamp information determined from an internal clock of one of said second devices obtained from a second reference time information, said second time stamp information (HTR) relating to a date of reception of said first message (MES_1) in one of said second devices (P2).

2. Communication device according to claim 1 characterized in that it is further configured to - determining a transfer time in said second network from said first time stamp information and said second time stamp information.

3. Communication device according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that it is further configured to - associate at least one first quality information (lockclass_HRE) with said first timestamp information (HRE) and - receive at least a second quality information (clockclass_HTR) linked to said second timestamp information (HTR).

4. Communication device according to claim 3 characterized in that it is further configured to transmit (S5, SS 7 ) to a timestamp base at least one or more of: - said first message (MES_1), said at least one associated time stamp information (HRE) and said at least one first quality information clockclass_HRE) - said at least one second time stamp information (HTR) and said at least one second quality information (clockclass_HTR).

5. Communication device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is further configured to transmit (S9) to said first client terminal (T1) - said first time stamp information (HRE) and said at least one first associated quality information (clockclass_HRE), - said second timestamp information (HTR) and said at least one second associated quality information (clockclass_HTR).

6. Communication device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is further configured to receive said at least one second time stamp information (HTR) and said at least one second associated quality information (clockclass_HTR) either from said at least one second device (P2) or from said time stamp base.

7. Communication device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is configured to obtain said first reference time information (HRE) from the reception and transmission of one or more messages (HREF) with a first timestamping server (SH1) of said second network.

8. Communication device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second reference time information (HTR) is obtained from the reception and transmission of one or more messages between a second time stamp server (SH2) and said at least one second device (T2), said first time stamp server (SH1) and said second time stamp server (SH2) being synchronized on the same time reference.

9. Communication device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first terminal equipment (T1) is a remote action device for monitoring an electrical network, said first message (MES_1) being a message characterizing said electrical network such as a fault alert message of said electrical network or a normal operation message of said electrical network.

10. Device according to claim 9 characterized in that it is configured to - receive (S7) at least one request for access from said first terminal to the timestamp information (HTR, HRE, clockclass_HRE, clockclass_HTR) relating to at least one of said first messages, -check (S8) the access rights of said first terminal to said timestamp information (HTR, HRE, clockclass_HRE, clockclass_HTR) - transmitting (S9) said timestamp information (HRE, HTR, clockclass_HRE, clockclass_HTR) or time information determined from said timestamp information to said first terminal (Tl) when said first terminal (Tl) has access rights to said time information.

11. Communication method implemented in an access gateway (IP), said access gateway (IP) comprising - a first interface with a first network to communicate with a first terminal device - a second interface with a second network different from the first network for communicating with one or more devices of said second network, said method comprising - updating (S0) an internal clock of the access gateway (PI) from a first reference time information obtained from one or more devices of said second network, - the reception (SI) of at least one first message (MES_1) from said first terminal equipment (Tl) through said first interface intended to be transmitted to one or more second devices (P2, T2) through the second network, - the time stamping (S2) of said at least first message (MES_1) using at least one first time stamp information (HRE) obtained from said one internal clock, said first time stamp information (HRE) relating to a date of reception of said first message in the device and - the transmission (S3, S3') of said at least first message (MES_1) through said second interface to said second network, - receiving (S4, S4') at least one second time stamp information (HTR) determined from an internal clock of one of said second devices (SH2) obtained from a second reference time information, said second timestamp information (HTR) relating to a date of receipt of said first message in one of said second devices (P2).

12. A computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the method according to claim 11 when said program is executed by a computer.

13. A computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the method according to claim 11.

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