Network Port Synchronization for Multiple Time Bases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for synchronizing clocks in computer networks, such as PTP, are inadequate for handling multiple time bases, particularly in heterogeneous and safety-critical networks, where reliable and robust transmission of synchronization messages is essential.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that configure ports to transmit synchronization messages based on predetermined time bases, allowing for flexible configuration as master or slave ports, and synchronized transmission according to precision time protocols like IEEE 1588-2008, enabling multiple time bases to be managed independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single time base is established using PTP synchronization, then clock synchronization reliability is improved, but the ability to support multiple time bases is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into multiple independent PTP domains, each with its own grandmaster clock and time base. Switches can belong to different PTP domains and maintain multiple time bases simultaneously, allowing both reliable single-time-base synchronization within domains and multiple time base support across the network.
Solution Approach 2:
PTP switches are designed with multi-functionality to operate in different roles (grandmaster, boundary clock, transparent clock, ordinary clock) and support multiple time bases. The same hardware platform can synchronize to different time bases depending on configuration, providing universal adaptability.
2Measurement precision
If ports are configured as master or slave for synchronization, then synchronization precision is improved, but flexibility in port configuration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Port roles (master or slave) and time base associations are dynamically configurable rather than fixed. Ports can be assigned to different PTP domains and time bases as needed, and the system can adapt port configurations based on network conditions and requirements, maintaining both precision and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing parameters such as time base selection, PTP domain association, and port role assignments. These parameters can be modified to optimize synchronization precision for specific applications while maintaining configuration flexibility for different network scenarios.
3Productivity
If synchronization messages are transmitted periodically, then time base propagation is improved, but network traffic complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network is divided into PTP domains with hierarchical synchronization. Grandmaster clocks generate periodic Sync messages within their domains, and boundary clocks propagate these to subordinate domains. This segmentation reduces overall network traffic complexity by localizing synchronization traffic to specific domains rather than flooding the entire network.
Solution Approach 2:
PTP synchronization uses periodic Sync messages transmitted at configured intervals (e.g., every 1 second). This periodic action ensures reliable time base propagation while allowing network devices to buffer and process messages efficiently, balancing propagation efficiency with manageable traffic complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Device and corresponding method in a computer network (100), wherein a message is transmitted, wherein the message indicates a time according to a predetermined time base (trel, tabs), and wherein the message includes additional information about the predetermined time base (trel, tabs), wherein the message is transmitted depending on the information about the predetermined time base (trel, tabs) and wherein a state of a port (151, ..., 154, 161, ..., 166, 171, ..., 174) of a device (101, 102, 111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 131) of the computer network (100) for transmitting the message is configured according to the predetermined time base (trel, tabs).