Boundary Clock Time Sync Across Separate Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing time synchronization systems face challenges in synchronizing device internal times with a time source different from the device's internal time, particularly in remote areas, leading to increased costs and complexity due to the need for additional network construction, GNSS antenna installation, and synchronization with multiple time sources.
Innovation Solution
A time synchronization device that communicates with a first time source and a communication device, acquiring an offset difference between the first and second times to synchronize the communication device's internal time with the first time, without requiring direct network connections or complex configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a client device synchronizes with a time source on a different network (remote area), then time synchronization is achieved, but network construction cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Boundary Clock acts as an intermediary device between the Grand Master Clock on the first network and the client device on the second network. It receives time from the Grand Master Clock, stores it in its time storage unit, and distributes it to client devices, thereby enabling time synchronization across different networks without requiring direct network connections between the time source and all clients.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a Boundary Clock synchronizes with multiple time sources (UTC and local network time), then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Boundary Clock internally segments time management into separate functional units: a first time storage unit for UTC, a second time storage unit for local network time, and a time conversion unit. This segmentation allows the device to handle multiple time sources independently while presenting a unified interface to client devices, reducing configuration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The Boundary Clock is designed with multi-functionality to serve dual purposes: it acts as a slave device synchronizing with the Grand Master Clock for UTC, and simultaneously acts as a master device distributing time to client devices on the local network. This universal design simplifies the overall system architecture by eliminating the need for separate time synchronization devices for different networks.
3Measurement precision
If direct network connection is established between time source and communication device, then synchronization accuracy improves, but network infrastructure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Boundary Clock serves as a mediator that maintains time synchronization accuracy without requiring direct network connections between the Grand Master Clock and all client devices. It receives precise UTC time from the Grand Master Clock and distributes it locally, achieving accurate synchronization for remote devices without extending the primary network infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A time synchronization device (100) according to the present disclosure includes an offset assignment unit (106) as a synchronization unit that acquires an offset that is a difference between a first time of a time source (5) and a second time of the time synchronization device (100), and synchronizes a device internal time of a communication device (6) as a transmission destination of the first time of the time source (5) with the first time on the basis of the acquired offset and the second time.