Hierarchical PTP Gateway for Relative Time Error Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing precision time protocol (PTP) networks struggle to accurately distribute relative time error information, leading to incorrect estimations and increased complexity due to the need for additional communication and logic between end points.

Innovation Solution

The method involves defining hierarchical PTP segments and using a gateway device to reset and preserve time error information, allowing direct distribution of relative time error without additional external communication, by resetting path TE accumulation while preserving total TE information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If additional communication and logic between end points are implemented to distribute relative time error information, then measurement precision of relative time error is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelative time error information accuracyVSAvoidcommunication and logic complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary device (the gateway or network element) that centrally manages and distributes relative time error information to multiple end points. This intermediary calculates and propagates the relative TE information from a reference point to all destinations, eliminating the need for complex peer-to-peer communication and logic between end points while maintaining accurate relative time error measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If path TE accumulation is reset at gateway devices in hierarchical segments, then distribution of relative time error information is simplified, but total TE information preservation becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation distribution complexityVSAvoidtotal time error information
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the time error information into two distinct segments: accumulated path TE (which is reset at gateway devices for simplified relative TE calculation within segments) and total TE information (which is preserved and propagated through the hierarchy). This segmentation allows each segment to serve its specific function while maintaining overall information integrity across the hierarchical network structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12457052B2Relative time error information distribution in precision time protocol network
Publication Date: 2025.10.28 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • US12457052B2 patent drawing
  • US12457052B2 patent drawing
  • US12457052B2 patent drawing

AI summary

There is provided mechanisms for relative time error (TE) information distribution in a telecommunication network using a precision time protocol (PTP). A method is performed in a gateway device in a telecommunication network having hierarchical segments. The method comprises receiving TE information from a telecom grandmaster (T-GM) of the hierarchical segments. The method comprises preserving a total TE information of the received TE information. The method comprises resetting an accumulated path TE of the received TE information. The method comprises outputting an indication of the reset accumulated path TE and the preserved total TE information to a sub-segment of the hierarchical segments.