Cell-Based Time Calibration for Ethernet Device Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication networks face challenges in ensuring time synchronization between Ethernet devices operating in a cell mode, particularly when low-bandwidth services require high-quality service guarantees, as traditional methods like precision time protocol cannot be directly applied in cell mode communication.

Innovation Solution

A method for time calibration involving determining transmission and reception times of cells, calculating time offset values, and performing time synchronization by embedding precision time protocol message data within cells, allowing synchronization even in cell mode communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional precision time protocol methods are used, then time synchronization can be achieved in packet mode, but they cannot be directly applied in cell mode communication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with cell mode communicationVSAvoidtime synchronization capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent embeds precision time protocol message data within cell structures, transforming the communication parameter from packet mode to cell mode while maintaining the underlying time synchronization mechanism. This allows the protocol to adapt to cell mode communication by changing the data container format rather than the synchronization algorithm itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer that maps precision time protocol messages to cell structures. This intermediary mechanism enables traditional time synchronization methods to function in cell mode by translating between the two communication paradigms without requiring fundamental changes to either approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If time calibration is performed using multiple transmission and reception time measurements, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but communication delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime offset calculation accuracyVSAvoidcalibration communication delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs time calibration using a selected subset of cell transmission and reception time pairs rather than processing all available measurements. By applying partial action (using only necessary measurements), the system achieves sufficient synchronization accuracy while minimizing the time consumed during calibration procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS12402092B2Time calibration method, communication device, and computer-readable medium

Publication Date: 2025.08.26 ZTE CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a time calibration method, including: determining, in response to a first cell transmitted from a first device, a first reception time corresponding to the first cell, and transmitting a second cell to the first device; and receiving a third cell that is fed back by the first device and carries a second reception time corresponding to the second cell, determining a first time offset value according to a first transmission time, the first reception time, a second transmission time corresponding to the second cell and the second reception time, and performing a time calibration according to the first time offset value. The present disclosure further provides a communication device and a computer-readable medium.