Clock Fault Detection in Synchronized Network Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
In synchronized networks, such as synchronous Ethernet networks, poor clock signals can be inadvertently selected as reference clocks due to faulty clock quality indications, leading to degraded performance and reliability of communications.
Innovation Solution
A method where a first network device receives a clock quality indication from a second network device, determines if the quality metric satisfies a threshold, and sends a clock fault notification to downgrade the clock quality indication, thereby selecting a new reference clock to prevent the use of poor clock signals for synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a network device uses a reference clock for synchronization, then timing synchronization is achieved, but poor quality clock signals can degrade network performance and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where network devices monitor the quality of received clock signals and send notifications back to the source device. When poor signal quality is detected, the receiving device sends a notification to the transmitting device, which then downgrades the clock quality indication. This closed-loop feedback system enables continuous quality assessment and automatic correction, preventing poor quality clocks from degrading network synchronization reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary quality assessment mechanism that acts as a mediator between the clock signal source and the synchronization process. The system uses quality indications and notifications as intermediary elements to evaluate and control clock signal quality before it affects network synchronization. This intermediary layer filters out poor quality signals through the notification-downgrade mechanism, protecting the synchronization process from harmful clock signals.
2Productivity
If the network device monitors and downgrades poor clock quality indications, then communication performance is improved, but additional signaling overhead is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing quality monitoring and notification only when necessary - specifically when poor clock signal quality is detected. The system does not continuously exchange quality information for all clock signals, but rather activates the notification and downgrade mechanism selectively based on actual quality conditions. This selective approach improves communication performance when needed while minimizing unnecessary signaling overhead during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A first network device may receive, from a second network device, a clock quality indication that is associated with a clock of the second network device, wherein the clock of the second network device is a reference clock for a network that includes the first network device and the second network device. The first network device may determine, based on a clock signal of the second network device, that a quality metric of the clock does not satisfy a threshold. The first network device may provide, to the second network device, a clock fault notification to cause the second network device to downgrade the clock quality indication transmitted by the second network device. The first network device may select a new reference clock for the first network device based on receiving the downgraded clock quality indication from the second network device.