Ethernet Timestamp Insertion via Type Field Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for time-stamping Ethernet packets according to the IEEE 802.1as standard face challenges in re-associating timestamps with the packets due to the splitting of timestamp data, which complicates the process and is undesirable in high-speed networks.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for time-stamping Ethernet data frames by capturing a real-time clock value and inserting a timestamp header, where a reconciliation sublayer, real-time clock, and start frame delimiter detector determine if a data frame is time-stamped, allowing for accurate insertion of a timestamp field indicating the reception time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the timestamp is split from the actual packet being time stamped, then the timestamp can be recorded separately in 802.3 station management, but the re-association of timestamp to packet becomes complex and undesirable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetimestamp recordingVSAvoidre-association process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the timestamp with the Ethernet packet by inserting the timestamp directly into the packet structure. This is achieved by detecting a specific type field value in the packet and inserting the timestamp at a predetermined location within the packet, thereby combining what were previously separate entities (timestamp and packet) into a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for complex re-association processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Loss of information

If bit-stuffing is used to associate timestamp with packet, then the timestamp can be attached to the packet, but it is undesirable in high speed networks due to processing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetimestamp associationVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the packet structure with a specific type field value that indicates where the timestamp should be inserted. This preparation is done before the actual time-stamping operation, allowing the timestamp to be inserted directly without requiring complex bit-stuffing operations during high-speed packet processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If a timestamp header is inserted into the Ethernet data frame, then the timestamp is accurately associated with the packet, but the data frame structure is modified

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetimestamp association accuracyVSAvoiddata frame structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making a targeted modification to a specific part of the data frame structure. Instead of altering the entire frame structure, only a specific location (indicated by the type field) is modified to insert the timestamp. This localized modification maintains the integrity of the rest of the frame structure while achieving accurate timestamp association

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8804762B2Method and system for timestamp inclusion in virtual local area network tag

Publication Date: 2014.08.12 AVAYA INC

AI summary

A method, system and apparatus time-stamp a data frame. The data frame includes a type field and data for transmission to a communication network. The data frame is received and a reception time for the data frame is determined. The value of the type field is determined. If the value of the type field indicates the data frame is a time-stamped frame, a timestamp field is inserted in the data frame. The timestamp field indicates the reception time.