Multiport PTP Configuration with Regional Transparent and Boundary Clocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for configuring multiple Precision Time Protocol (PTP) ports on network devices are time-consuming and labor-intensive, and they often result in inefficient time exchange and potential inaccuracies due to the inability to differentiate between ports within the same region and those between different regions.
Innovation Solution
A configuration approach for multiport PTP network devices that allows for the flexible grouping of ports with the same PTP parameters or profile, enabling both Boundary Clock and Transparent Clock functions within a single device. This hybrid configuration utilizes the Boundary Clock function for inter-region time exchange and the Transparent Clock function for intra-region time exchange, minimizing time inaccuracies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If each port is configured individually using conventional device setup models, then each port can be configured with specific parameters, but the configuration process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple port configurations into a single device-level configuration. Instead of configuring each port separately, the system applies PTP parameters at the device level, automatically propagating them to all relevant ports. This merging approach maintains configuration accuracy while dramatically reducing the time and labor required for multi-port setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal configuration mechanism where a single set of PTP parameters can be applied across multiple ports simultaneously. The device-level configuration acts as a template that can be universally applied to any number of ports, eliminating the need for repetitive individual configuration while ensuring consistency across all ports.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the Boundary Clock function is used for all PTP ports, then the device can perform time exchange within and between PTP regions, but time inaccuracies increase due to the 200 ns tolerance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different clock functions to different ports based on their specific requirements. Ports within the same PTP region are configured with Transparent Clock function for high-precision time exchange, while ports connecting to different PTP regions use Boundary Clock function. This local differentiation ensures that each port operates with the appropriate level of precision for its specific function, minimizing overall time inaccuracies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the PTP network into different regions and assigns appropriate clock functions to ports based on their location. By dividing the network into intra-region and inter-region segments, the system can apply the more accurate Transparent Clock function locally within regions while using Boundary Clock function only where necessary for inter-region communication, thereby optimizing overall time accuracy.
3Productivity
If a single device provides both Boundary Clock and Transparent Clock functions, then the device can efficiently handle both intra-region and inter-region time exchange, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration where the device can adaptively switch between Boundary Clock and Transparent Clock functions based on the operational requirements of each port. The system dynamically determines which clock function to apply to each port based on whether it needs to communicate within or between PTP regions, allowing the device to optimize its performance without requiring complex manual configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a system and method for configuring multiple PTP ports of a network device comprising an input component and a processor. A PTP port group, associated with a subset of PTP ports of the network device and with a PTP region, is identified. A PTP parameter set corresponding to the PTP port group is received and applied to each port of the subset of PTP ports associated with the PTP port group. A time exchange is performed for PTP capable devices within the PTP region. There is also described a PTP network device comprising a first transparent clock, a second transparent clock, and a boundary clock. The first transparent clock performs time exchange within the first PTP region. The second transparent clock performs time exchange within the second PTP region. The boundary clock performs time exchange between the first and second PTP regions.