Clock Synchronization Network Controller for Failure Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
In clock and time synchronization networks, the time required for network elements to recover from synchronization failures increases with the number of nodes, leading to delayed entry into a holding state and increased clock errors, which can result in frequency deviations and error diffusion among network nodes.
Innovation Solution
A controller is introduced to acquire network topology and synchronization failure notifications, directly notifying elements connected to a standby clock/source to lock with it and those not connected to enter a holding state, thereby reducing the time to recover and preventing error diffusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network elements sequentially transmit failure notifications through multiple stages to find a standby clock source, then the network can eventually recover synchronization, but the recovery time increases with the number of network element nodes
Solution Approach 1:
A central controller is introduced as an intermediary to manage the failure recovery process. The controller receives failure notifications from network elements, determines the impact scope, and coordinates the switching actions centrally, eliminating the need for sequential stage-by-stage notification transmission and enabling parallel recovery operations across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller pre-acquires the network topology information before failures occur. When a failure is detected, the controller can immediately determine which network elements are affected and which standby clock sources should be activated, eliminating the time required for network elements to sequentially discover and negotiate standby sources.
2Stability of the object's composition
If network elements wait to receive failure notifications before entering holding state, then they maintain clock locking, but clock errors accumulate and diffuse to downstream elements
Solution Approach 1:
The controller establishes a feedback mechanism where network elements immediately notify the controller upon detecting synchronization failures. The controller then provides feedback instructions to affected network elements, enabling them to switch to holding state or activate standby sources promptly, preventing error accumulation while maintaining overall system stability.
3Productivity
If a centralized controller manages failure recovery, then recovery speed increases, but system complexity increases due to additional control infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized controller performs multiple functions: it monitors network topology, receives failure notifications from any network element, determines impact scope, coordinates standby source activation, and manages the recovery process for the entire synchronization network. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require distributed intelligence across multiple network elements into a single control point.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system for processing a synchronization failure for a clock and time synchronization network are disclosed. The method includes: setting a controller in a clock/time synchronization network, and acquiring, through the controller, topology connections of the network and clock/time synchronization failure notification messages transmitted by various stages of network elements; detecting a link impacted by the failure when the controller receives the clock/time synchronization failure notification messages transmitted by the network elements; and the controller notifying a network element on the link which is connected to a standby clock/time source to switch to a state of being locked with the standby clock/time source, and notifying a network elements on the link which is not connected to the standby clock/time source to switch to a clock/time holding state. With the embodiments of the present invention, when a clock/time synchronization failure occurs in the network, the standby clock/time source can be found rapidly and the network element which is not connected to the standby clock/time source can be enabled to enter the holding state rapidly.