Network Interface Timestamp Generation for Synchronization Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network synchronization technologies, such as IEEE 1588, face challenges in achieving accurate timing and frequency synchronization between network entities due to delays and errors introduced by intermediate nodes in packet transmission, which affect the precision of timestamp generation and propagation.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves generating and recording egress and ingress timestamps close to the network interface, storing them in packet headers for inband communication, and using correction values to adjust timestamps, thereby reducing the reliance on host interfaces and improving synchronization accuracy by accounting for queuing delays and propagation delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If timestamps are generated and propagated through intermediate nodes using traditional network synchronization protocols, then network entities can achieve timing synchronization, but delays and errors are introduced by intermediate nodes that reduce synchronization precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the timestamp generation function from the host interface to the network interface itself. By placing timestamp generation logic directly at the network interface, the system eliminates the time loss associated with host interface processing while maintaining the overall synchronization function. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by isolating the critical timestamp generation operation from sources of delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces correction values as an intermediary mechanism to compensate for delays and errors introduced by intermediate nodes. These correction values act as a mediator that adjusts timestamps to account for processing delays, queuing times, and propagation variations, thereby maintaining synchronization precision despite the presence of intermediate nodes in the network path.
2Reliability
If host interfaces are used for timestamp generation and communication, then network entities can exchange timing information, but synchronization accuracy is reduced due to processing delays and errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the timestamp generation function from the host interface and relocates it to the network interface. This extraction removes the source of processing delays and errors associated with host interface operations, thereby improving both the reliability and precision of timestamp generation. The host interface is taken out of the critical timestamp generation path, eliminating its negative impact on synchronization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where correction values are calculated based on observed delays and errors, then applied to adjust subsequent timestamps. This feedback loop continuously compensates for systematic errors in timestamp generation and propagation, improving reliability by adapting to actual network conditions rather than relying on fixed, potentially inaccurate timing assumptions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If intermediate nodes process and forward timing packets, then network coverage can be extended, but queuing delays and propagation errors are introduced that degrade synchronization performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses correction values as an intermediary to bridge the gap between extended network coverage through intermediate nodes and maintained timestamp precision. These correction values compensate for the delays and errors introduced by queuing and propagation through intermediate nodes, allowing the system to benefit from network configuration flexibility while mitigating the precision degradation that would otherwise result from intermediate node processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for timing synchronization between network nodes. The timing synchronization can conform to the Precision Time Protocol (PTP) as defined in the IEEE 1588 protocol. The timing synchronization can include the insertion of ingress and/or egress timestamps into packets. For example, timestamps can be inserted into reserved fields of the header of a packet. The timing synchronization can also include the utilization of one or more reserved fields to initiate the generation of a timestamp upon the transmission of the packet and/or the retrieval of a previously stored timestamp.