Latency Compensation for Bidirectional Time Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for achieving time synchronization in mobile bearer networks, such as deploying time servers and supporting precision time protocol (PTP) packets, are costly, complex, and require each device to process IEEE1588 synchronization packets, leading to unequal bidirectional latency and increased network complexity.
Innovation Solution
A latency compensation method and device that determine and adjust the latency values of bidirectional data flows to equalize them, allowing transparent time synchronization packet transmission without the need for all devices to process IEEE1588 protocol, thereby simplifying network configuration and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional time synchronization methods are used (deploying time servers and supporting PTP packets), then time synchronization can be achieved, but device complexity and network cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the latency compensation function from the complex PTP protocol processing. Instead of requiring devices to process IEEE 1588 synchronization packets, the solution measures and compensates for latency independently, removing the need for complex protocol handling while achieving time synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces latency compensation as an intermediary mechanism between data transmission and time synchronization. By measuring actual latency and applying compensation, the system achieves synchronization without direct reliance on complex PTP packet processing, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If each device processes IEEE1588 synchronization packets, then time synchronization is achieved, but bidirectional latency becomes unequal and configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service latency compensation where each device independently measures its own bidirectional latency and applies compensation without requiring complex configuration. The device automatically determines latency values and adjusts them to achieve equalization, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
3Device complexity
If latency compensation is applied to equalize bidirectional latency, then time synchronization is simplified, but measurement and adjustment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the device continuously measures bidirectional latency, compares the values, and applies compensation based on the difference. This closed-loop feedback approach automates the measurement and adjustment process, reducing manual intervention while maintaining accurate time synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
A device determines a first latency value of a first data flow from a first physical port of the device to a second physical port of the device and a second latency value of a second data flow from the second physical port to the first physical port, where the first latency value is less than the second latency value. The device determines a first target latency value based on the first latency value and the second latency value. The device adjusts a latency value of the first data flow to the first target latency value.