Network Device Clock Synchronization via Processing Time Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The synchronization of internal clocks in networked devices is compromised by varying internal processing times, particularly due to encryption and decryption processes, leading to reduced accuracy and transmission rate over network connections.
Innovation Solution
A buffer unit is implemented within each node to estimate and compensate for the maximum internal processing time, ensuring that timestamps are incorporated close to the frame's transmission time, thereby minimizing the impact of processing variations on clock synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cryptographic techniques (encryption/decryption) are applied to frames for security, then security is improved, but internal processing time varies leading to reduced synchronization accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the maximum processing time for cryptographic operations in a lookup table. This allows the system to compensate for variable processing times in advance, ensuring that timestamp reflections accurately represent transmission times even when encryption/decryption durations vary.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by introducing a buffer time based on the maximum processing time from the lookup table. This buffer compensates for the variability in cryptographic processing, cushioning the impact of encryption/decryption time variations on synchronization accuracy.
2Speed
If internal processing time is reduced for faster transmission, then transmission speed is improved, but security processing (encryption/decryption) may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a lookup table that mediates between security requirements and transmission speed. The lookup table stores pre-calculated maximum processing times that allow the system to maintain security processing quality while compensating for time variations in synchronization calculations.
3Measurement precision
If timestamps are taken at frame generation time, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but processing time variations affect the actual transmission time representation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using the lookup table to provide compensatory time adjustments based on the actual processing time requirements. The system retrieves the maximum processing time from the lookup table and uses it to adjust timestamp reflections, ensuring accurate representation of transmission times despite processing variations.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to device for compensating variations in run time of a word of a frame. The invention also relates to a method for the device.