Clock Synchronization Accuracy Monitoring via Grandmaster Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clock synchronization methods in networks, particularly those using the Precision Time Protocol (PTP), may lead to decreased grandmaster clock accuracy due to frequent master-slave hierarchy negotiations, where devices can become new grandmasters, potentially lowering synchronization accuracy without proper monitoring of accuracy levels.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a mechanism that utilizes three grandmaster types (primary, secondary, and none) within devices, maintaining grandmaster information to determine the accuracy level of synchronized clocks, ensuring accurate synchronization status monitoring through enhanced time supervision units and adaptive list management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices frequently negotiate master-slave hierarchy in PTP synchronization, then devices can adapt to network changes and maintain connectivity, but grandmaster clock accuracy decreases below required levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes a list of expected grandmaster clocks with their identifiers and accuracy characteristics before actual synchronization occurs. This preliminary preparation allows the slave device to quickly validate incoming synchronization packets against known grandmasters, avoiding frequent hierarchical negotiations while maintaining adaptability to legitimate network changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a feedback mechanism where the slave device monitors the accuracy level of synchronized clocks by comparing received timing information against the pre-stored grandmaster list. When accuracy drops below required thresholds, the system triggers selective re-negotiation only with specific grandmasters from the list, rather than performing frequent comprehensive negotiations, thus maintaining accuracy while adapting to network changes.
2Reliability
If the device monitors synchronization accuracy level using three grandmaster types, then synchronization status integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grandmaster information is segmented into three distinct types (primary grandmaster, secondary grandmaster, and neither) within a structured list. This segmentation allows the device to categorize and handle different grandmaster scenarios systematically, improving synchronization status monitoring while managing complexity through organized data structure rather than complex processing logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a simplified data structure (list of identifiers and accuracy levels) that can be quickly updated and replaced without complex state management. The grandmaster list acts as a lightweight, easily maintainable object that provides sufficient information for accuracy monitoring without requiring complex device architecture, thus improving reliability with minimal complexity overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
To provide an indication of an accuracy level of a grandmaster clock, a solution using at least three different grandmaster types and grandmaster information maintained in a device is introduced. The three grandmaster types are a primary grandmaster, a secondary grandmaster and neither of them. The grandmaster information includes information on a primary grandmaster and information based on which one or more secondary grandmasters may be determined. After master-slave hierarchy negotiations, the grandmaster information and information on a master clock negotiated is used to determine whether the master clock negotiated for the device is the primary grandmaster, a secondary grandmaster setting a warning, or neither of them in which case an alarm is set.