Network Node Transit Time Optimization for Timing Packet Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Packet delay variation and asymmetry in packet-based networks pose challenges for accurate time synchronization, particularly in mobile communication technologies, where traditional solutions like Boundary Clocks and Transparent Clocks require significant architectural changes and may lead to security issues and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a locally available stable frequency reference to provide a predetermined network node transit time for timing packets, ensuring consistent delay and reducing packet delay variation by scheduling timing and data packets to maintain a fixed network transit time, thereby minimizing architectural changes and security risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Boundary Clocks or Transparent Clocks are implemented to improve time synchronization accuracy, then timing precision is improved, but device complexity and architectural changes increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the timing packet processing functionality from complex Boundary Clock or Transparent Clock implementations and implements it as a simple predetermined delay mechanism in standard network nodes. This removes the need for specialized timing support functions while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from dynamic timing packet processing (adapting to packet delay variation) to a fixed predetermined delay approach. By setting a fixed delay value in advance, the system achieves timing accuracy without the complexity of dynamic adjustment mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If Transparent Clocks are used to measure and compensate packet delay, then timing accuracy is improved, but security issues arise due to packet modification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple, disposable predetermined delay value that is set in advance and does not require modifying packets during transmission. This eliminates security vulnerabilities associated with packet modification while maintaining timing accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If timing packets are sent through packet networks with variable delays, then network flexibility is improved, but packet delay variation degrades timing recovery accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by setting a predetermined delay value in advance that compensates for expected packet delay variation. This pre-calculated delay is applied to timing packets before transmission, compensating for network variability without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
4Measurement precision
If network nodes process timing packets dynamically to adapt to delay variation, then timing accuracy is improved, but processing complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes from dynamic parameter adjustment (adapting delay compensation in real-time) to a fixed parameter approach (predetermined delay value). This eliminates complex real-time processing while maintaining timing accuracy.
5Measurement precision
If Boundary Clocks terminate and regenerate timestamp packets to reduce internal queuing delays, then timing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of timing packet delay compensation from complex Boundary Clock implementations and implements it as a simple predetermined delay mechanism in standard network nodes, eliminating the need for specialized timing support hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method of optimizing timing packet transport in a network node, the method comprising using a locally available stable frequency reference at the network node to provide a pre-determined network node transit time for timing packets in at least one direction into or out of the network node. There is also provided a network node comprising a locally available stable frequency reference and circuitry adapted to apply a pre-determined network node transit time, L, to all timing packets transiting the network node in at least one direction into or out of a network node dependent on the locally available stable frequency reference.