Network Device Clock Source Selection Using Enhanced SSM Codes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network devices struggle to select a clock source with higher synchronization accuracy when receiving messages indicating compliance with both new and old protocols, leading to inaccurate frequency calibration.
Innovation Solution
A method where a network device receives synchronization status messages with different quality level codes, determines the quality levels based on code values, and calibrates its frequency accordingly, prioritizing the clock source with a higher quality level by generating or comparing enhanced synchronization status message codes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a network device supports both new protocol (G.8264/Y.1364 Amendment 2) and old protocol (G.8264/Y.1364), then it can receive messages from both new and old protocol devices, but it cannot correctly identify and select the clock source with higher synchronization accuracy when quality levels are equal according to old protocol standards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an enhanced SSM code as an intermediary element that carries additional quality level information beyond the traditional SSM code. This intermediary mechanism allows the network device to differentiate between clock sources that appear equal under old protocol standards, thereby resolving the contradiction between protocol compatibility and synchronization accuracy selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to quality level identification by introducing the enhanced SSM code alongside the traditional SSM code. This dimensional expansion allows the system to evaluate clock source quality from multiple perspectives simultaneously, enabling accurate selection even when traditional codes indicate equal quality levels.
2Device complexity
If the network device uses only the old protocol quality level comparison method, then it can maintain simplicity in protocol handling, but it fails to accurately identify the superior clock source when both sources have equal quality levels according to the old protocol
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by first comparing enhanced SSM codes before falling back to traditional SSM code comparison. This hierarchical approach ensures that the most accurate quality level information is utilized first, and only when enhanced codes are unavailable does the system revert to traditional methods, thereby maintaining reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The network device is designed with multi-functionality to handle both enhanced and traditional SSM codes. It can universally process messages from both new and old protocol devices while prioritizing the use of enhanced code information when available, thus achieving reliable clock source selection across different protocol environments.
3Measurement precision
If the network device prioritizes new protocol enhanced SSM codes, then it achieves accurate frequency calibration, but it may face compatibility issues with devices that only support the old protocol and do not provide enhanced SSM codes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic protocol handling mechanism that adapts to the capabilities of communicating devices. The network device dynamically switches between using enhanced SSM codes and traditional SSM codes based on what is available from the clock source, ensuring both accurate frequency calibration when enhanced codes are present and compatibility with legacy devices that only provide traditional codes.
Solution Approach 2:
The network device applies local quality handling by treating enhanced SSM code processing and traditional SSM code processing as separate functional paths. It uses enhanced code processing locally when available for high-precision frequency calibration, while maintaining the capability to use traditional code processing locally when dealing with legacy devices, thus achieving both accuracy and compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A network device synchronization method is provided. In various embodiments, a first SSM and a second SSM are received. The first SSM carries a first SSM code indicating a quality level of a first clock source and a first eSSM code indicating the quality level of the first clock source, the second SSM carries a second SSM code indicating a quality level of a second clock source. The second SSM lacks an eSSM code indicating the quality level of the second clock source, and a value of the first SSM code is equal to a value of the second SSM code. When a value of the first eSSM code is less than 0xFF, calibrating a frequency of the network device based on a timing signal of the first clock source.