Bidirectional Time Synchronization Frame Relay for Network Bandwidth Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional time synchronization methods, such as the boundary clock and transparent clock methods, require nodes to be multifunctional, leading to increased hardware costs and network bandwidth usage, and result in prolonged synchronization times, especially when high precision is needed.
Innovation Solution
A communication system where time synchronization frames are transmitted in both outward and return directions, with a starting point node generating frames in the outward direction and a terminal point node in the return direction, and intermediate nodes relaying these frames, allowing for simultaneous time stamp acquisition and reduced synchronization time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the boundary clock method is used for time synchronization, then time synchronization can be achieved, but all nodes must be multifunctional (time master and time slave), increasing hardware cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the time synchronization function by designating specific nodes as time master nodes and others as time slave nodes, rather than requiring all nodes to be multifunctional. This segmentation allows time slave nodes to have simpler hardware configurations while still achieving reliable time synchronization through the hierarchical master-slave structure.
2Reliability
If the transparent clock method is used for time synchronization, then end-to-end synchronization is achieved, but network bandwidth increases due to frequent transmission of time synchronization messages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic transmission of time synchronization messages from time master nodes to time slave nodes. By using periodic action rather than continuous or frequent transmission, the system achieves reliable end-to-end time synchronization while conserving network bandwidth. The periodic transmission schedule is optimized to provide sufficient synchronization information without excessive network traffic.
3Reliability
If conventional time synchronization methods are used, then time synchronization can be performed, but synchronization time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary action by having time master nodes transmit time synchronization messages in advance to time slave nodes. This preliminary transmission of synchronization information allows time slave nodes to prepare for synchronization without waiting for sequential operations, thereby reducing the overall synchronization time while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous time synchronization by maintaining ongoing communication between time master nodes and time slave nodes. The continuous transmission and reception of time synchronization messages enables uninterrupted synchronization process, eliminating idle waiting periods and reducing total synchronization time while preserving synchronization reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system that is constituted by a plurality of communication apparatuses, and performs time synchronization using a time synchronization frame, wherein one of the communication apparatuses is set as a starting point node, at least one of the communication apparatuses is set as a terminal point node, the starting point node generates a time synchronization frame in an outward-route direction and transmits the generated time synchronization frame in the outward-route direction, the terminal point node generates a time synchronization frame in a return-route direction and transmits the generated time synchronization frame in the return-route direction, and an intermediate node relays a received time synchronization frame when receiving a time synchronization frame transmitted in an outward-route direction and a return-route direction.