Network Synchronization Error Detection Using Timestamp-Based Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

In communication networks, especially those with the Internet of Things (IoT), as the number of nodes increases, message propagation delays and connectivity issues arise due to nodes failing or being slow, leading to nodes far from the leader device not receiving messages or receiving them late, causing synchronization errors and potential network connectivity loss.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that utilize a timer and communication module to detect time delays between message receptions, determining if the delay exceeds a predefined time frame, and adjust the transmission timing of messages accordingly to prevent synchronization errors and network connectivity loss by ensuring timely propagation of messages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If nodes are arranged in a mesh or line topology to expand network coverage, then the network can accommodate more devices, but message propagation delays increase for nodes far from the leader device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of nodesVSAvoidmessage propagation delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary synchronization by having the leader device transmit synchronization messages at predetermined intervals before critical operations. Each node adjusts its local clock based on these advance notifications, ensuring all nodes are synchronized before message propagation begins, thus preventing delays in large networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where nodes monitor the arrival time of synchronization messages and report timing deviations to the leader device. The leader device then adjusts future synchronization message timing based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that compensates for propagation delays in extended networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If nodes forward messages to neighboring nodes to propagate messages quickly throughout the network, then message distribution efficiency improves, but synchronization errors occur when nodes are slow to transmit or stop working

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemessage distribution efficiencyVSAvoidsynchronization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system prepares for potential node failures by implementing redundant synchronization paths and timeout mechanisms. If a node fails to transmit within the expected time window, neighboring nodes detect the failure and can alternatively receive synchronization messages from other synchronized nodes, cushioning against the impact of node failures on overall network synchronization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts transmission parameters such as message intervals and timeout thresholds based on network conditions. When node failures or delays are detected, the leader device increases synchronization message frequency and adjusts forwarding timeouts, changing operational parameters to maintain reliability under degraded conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Area of stationary object

If the hop count between nodes and the leader device increases to cover larger networks, then network coverage expands, but nodes may not receive messages or receive them late causing synchronization errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverage areaVSAvoidsynchronization timing

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from relying solely on hop-count based synchronization to using timestamp-based synchronization in the temporal dimension. Each synchronization message carries a precise timestamp from the leader device, and nodes calculate their offset based on arrival time rather than hop count, adding a temporal dimension that compensates for variable propagation delays in large networks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The leader device transmits synchronization messages with predetermined timestamps before nodes need to perform time-critical operations. Nodes use these advance synchronization signals to adjust their local clocks, ensuring precise timing is established beforehand rather than reacting to delays after they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11012335B2Error detection in communication networks

Publication Date: 2021.05.18 ARM LTD

AI summary

Broadly speaking, embodiments of the present techniques provide apparatus and methods to identify and correct communication errors in a network formed of a plurality of nodes. In particular, the apparatus and methods identify synchronisation errors in a network which result in delayed propagation of messages through the network.