IP/MPLS Phase Synchronization via DTM Protocol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for phase and frequency synchronization in IP/MPLS networks rely on satellite signals, which are unreliable and costly to maintain, especially in adverse conditions, and require significant investment in standby systems that are not fully robust.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a point-to-point Virtual Circuit DTM protocol to transmit and convert PPS/PPS Plus string signals from an atomic clock source into ToD and PTP data within IP/MPLS networks, eliminating the need for ITU-T G8275.x and IEEE G8275.2 standards and associated costs, by switching and converting signals through a virtual circuit using DTM protocol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS/GNSS satellite signals are used for phase and frequency synchronization, then synchronization can be achieved, but reliability deteriorates under adverse conditions such as weak signals, adverse weather, and jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the synchronization function from dependence on external GPS/GNSS satellite signals and implements it using only the IP/MPLS network infrastructure and DTM protocol, eliminating the harmful effect of satellite signal vulnerability to jamming and adverse conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The DTM protocol acts as an intermediary that enables reliable synchronization over IP/MPLS networks without requiring satellite signals, translating timing requirements into network-compatible forms that are resistant to jamming and environmental interference
2Reliability
If standby measures are implemented according to IEEE and ITU-T standards, then synchronization failure risk is reduced, but investment and operating costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The DTM protocol provides multi-functionality by simultaneously delivering synchronization, timing, and frequency reference functions over the existing IP/MPLS network without requiring separate dedicated synchronization infrastructure, thereby eliminating additional investment costs
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables the network to serve its own synchronization needs using its existing infrastructure and protocols, eliminating the need for external satellite dependencies and expensive standby systems while maintaining high availability
3Reliability
If ITU-T G8275.1 and IEEE G8275.2 standards are applied for full and partial timing support, then synchronization capability is improved, but device complexity and implementation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adapting the network to complex satellite-dependent synchronization standards, the invention inverts the approach by making the synchronization system adapt to the existing IP/MPLS network using simple DTM protocol extensions, thereby reducing implementation complexity while maintaining capability
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method capable of transporting phase and frequency synchronization over traditional IP/MPLS networks, making end terminals requiring signals received from satellites to have phase and frequency synchronisation obsolete. The method includes switching of PPS signal by DTM protocol, transmission of PPS signal to the other end of network through a virtual circuit, switching the transmitted PPS signal again by DTM protocol, conversion of PPS signal arriving at the other end to ToD and PTP data and transmission thereof to a terminal component. The system includes a transmitter mechanism converting ToD and PTP data into PPS signal on one end of the network and then switching by DTM protocol, a receiver mechanism switching PPS signal at DTM protocol on the other end of the network and converting into ToD and PTP data and transmitting to the end component, and a virtual circuit providing carriage of PPS signal.