Clock Source Tracking via Candidate Port Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clock source selection methods in IEEE 1588 Standard-based networks experience slow convergence and oscillation due to excessive participation of all ports in source selection, leading to resource wastage and divergence from network planning, especially in complex transport networks with multiple boards and ports.
Innovation Solution
Categorizing device ports into slave candidate ports and master candidate ports based on network planning, where only slave candidate ports participate in selecting the best clock source, which is then distributed through master candidate ports, thereby reducing the number of ports involved in source selection and aligning with network architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all ports participate in clock source selection according to the BMC algorithm, then the network can achieve comprehensive clock source coverage, but the convergence speed decreases and oscillation occurs due to excessive participation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device ports into two distinct groups: slave candidate ports that participate in clock source selection and master candidate ports that do not. This segmentation reduces the number of ports involved in the BMC algorithm execution, thereby accelerating convergence while maintaining reliable clock source selection through the coordinated operation of both port groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts master candidate ports from the clock source selection process, removing them from participation in the BMC algorithm. This extraction eliminates the oscillation and convergence delays caused by excessive port participation, while slave candidate ports continue to ensure accurate clock source selection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all ports participate in source selection, then more clock sources are available for selection, but resource wastage occurs and network planning compliance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments ports into slave candidate ports for source selection and master candidate ports for clock distribution, ensuring that only necessary ports consume processing resources during source selection while maintaining comprehensive clock source coverage through the coordinated function of both segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns different functional qualities to different port groups: slave candidate ports are equipped with source selection capability while master candidate ports are designated for clock distribution. This local quality differentiation optimizes resource consumption by enabling source selection only where needed while preserving overall system versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive port participation in source selection is maintained, then network flexibility is preserved, but oscillation occurs and convergence becomes slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments ports into stable slave candidate ports for source selection and flexible master candidate ports for distribution, achieving both stability in clock source selection and adaptability in network operation through the coordinated interaction of these segmented port groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The slave candidate ports act as intermediaries between the external clock sources and the internal device state, performing source selection while master candidate ports handle distribution. This intermediary role stabilizes the selection process while preserving network adaptability through the mediator's coordinated communication with both port groups.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for tracking a clock source are disclosed. The method includes determining a best clock source to be tracked by a device according to a best clock source tracked by a slave candidate port in the device and distributing the best clock source tracked by the device through a master candidate port in a master state. Through the embodiments of the present disclosure, the clock source selection of the device converges quickly. Moreover, because the slave candidate port is determined according to the network planning, the planning of the transport network is observed.