Hierarchical Time Synchronization in Communication Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional time synchronization methods in communication networks with many nodes are prone to error propagation, leading to loss of synchronicity throughout the network if the master node fails.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a hierarchical synchronization method where global synchronization is maintained using a global master node, while local synchronization within sub-networks continues independently, using standards like Precision Time Protocol, to isolate and prevent error propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single global master node is used for time synchronization in the entire communication network, then synchronization is simplified and easier to manage, but error propagation occurs throughout the entire network if the master node fails
Solution Approach 1:
The communication network is divided into multiple subnetworks, each with its own local master node. This segmentation isolates error propagation to individual subnetworks while maintaining global synchronization through global slave nodes that reference the global master node. The hierarchical structure (global master → global slaves/local masters → local slaves) resolves the contradiction by distributing synchronization responsibilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Global slave nodes act as intermediaries between the global master node and local subnetworks. These nodes receive synchronization information from the global master and distribute it locally, while also serving as local master nodes. This intermediary layer prevents direct error propagation from the global master to all nodes and allows local autonomy when global synchronization fails.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional time synchronization methods are used with a single master node, then the synchronization protocol is simple to implement, but error propagation leads to network-wide synchronization failure
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into subnetworks with local master nodes, confining error propagation to local segments. Each subnetwork implements the standard synchronization protocol independently, maintaining implementation simplicity while preventing network-wide failure through local isolation of synchronization domains.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively prevents error propagation by implementing a hierarchical structure where local master nodes can operate autonomously if global synchronization fails. This preliminary arrangement counteracts the potential harmful effect of error propagation before it can spread network-wide.
3Reliability
If a hierarchical synchronization structure with subnetworks is implemented, then error propagation is limited to local subnetworks, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization hierarchy is structured as nested levels: global master node → global slave nodes (which are also local master nodes) → local slave nodes. Each level operates within its own synchronization domain while participating in the broader hierarchy. This nesting resolves the complexity-reliability contradiction by organizing complexity in a structured, manageable way that limits error propagation.
Solution Approach 2:
Global slave nodes also serve as local master nodes for their respective subnetworks, performing multiple functions within the hierarchical structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated nodes at each level, managing system complexity while maintaining the reliable hierarchical structure that limits error propagation.
Data Source
AI summary
One or a plurality of sub-networks (SN1, SN2, SN3, SN4) are defined in the communications network, which each comprise a plurality of network nodes (N1, N2, N14) from the communications network, wherein one or a plurality of the sub-networks represent pre-determined sub-networks (SN1, SN2, SN3), in which respective pre-determined network nodes (N1, N3, N5) have both the function of a global slave node (GS) and the function of a local master node (LM), and the one or the other network nodes (N2, N4, N6, N8) of the respective pre-determined sub-networks (SN1, SN2, SN3) are local slave nodes (LS). The method is characterised in that, in addition to global synchronisation using the global master node (GM) and the global slave nodes (GS), local synchronisation is also performed in the pre-determined sub-networks (SN1, SN2, SN3) using the local master node (LM) and the local slave nodes (LS). It is thus achieved that, in the event of an error outside a pre-determined sub-network (SN1, SN2, SN3), the local synchronisation can be continued, whereas the global synchronisation is aborted. It is thus avoided that an erroneous synchronisation is propagated into corresponding sub-networks.