Clock Synchronization Using Coordinator Guardrails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clock synchronization methods are expensive, impractical, and inaccurate due to frequency drift and path asymmetries in long-distance links, leading to biased processing and suboptimal performance in networked computer systems.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for clock synchronization that uses a coordinator to adjust local clocks based on a master reference clock, applying guardrails to prevent large adjustments and using adaptive stochastic control to maintain synchronization accuracy across long-range links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If special hardware is used to achieve clock synchronization accuracy of one hundred nanoseconds or better, then clock synchronization accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces specialized hardware mechanisms with a software-based coordinator system that uses stochastic control algorithms to adjust clock frequencies. Instead of using expensive hardware to combat random network delays and component noise, the system uses mathematical models and control theory to achieve the same synchronization accuracy through software computation and adaptive adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from fixed hardware parameters to dynamic software-controlled parameters. The coordinator system continuously adjusts clock frequency parameters based on observed drift and network conditions, allowing the system to adapt to changing environmental factors without requiring specialized hardware designed for fixed parameter operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If clock syntonization is implemented to match frequencies of different clocks, then clock synchronization stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hardware-based frequency matching mechanisms with a software coordinator that uses stochastic control to calculate and apply frequency adjustments. The coordinator observes clock drift over time and uses control algorithms to determine the appropriate syntonization adjustments, eliminating the need for complex hardware frequency matching circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback-based syntonization system where the coordinator continuously monitors clock frequency drift and adjusts frequencies accordingly. The system observes the actual performance of clocks and uses this feedback to refine frequency matching, replacing open-loop hardware frequency matching with closed-loop software control that adapts to actual operating conditions.
3Measurement precision
If clock corrections are applied frequently to compensate for path switching in long-distance links, then clock synchronization accuracy is improved, but clock discrepancies and instability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic guardrails that adapt to changing network conditions and path characteristics. Rather than using fixed correction limits, the system dynamically adjusts the magnitude and frequency of clock corrections based on observed drift patterns and network stability, allowing frequent corrections when needed while preventing overcorrection during stable periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms to monitor the effectiveness of clock corrections and adjust future corrections accordingly. The coordinator observes whether corrections are producing the desired synchronization effect or causing instability, and uses this feedback to refine the correction strategy, preventing the oscillatory behavior that results from frequent sharp corrections.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, for a first tier of nodes having long links, a coordinator selects a master reference node. For a group of nodes within a second tier of nodes, the coordinator selects a local reference node. The coordinator adjusts, during a plurality of cycles, a local reference clock of the local reference node based on a clock difference between the local reference clock and a master reference clock of the master reference node. For each node of the group of nodes within the second tier of nodes, the coordinator adjusts, during the plurality of cycles, its corresponding clock based on a corresponding clock difference between its corresponding clock and the local reference clock, where adjustments to the local reference clock are applied during each of the plurality of cycles using guardrails that are not applied when adjusting clocks of the group of nodes within the second tier of nodes.