Network Time Synchronisation Using Adaptive Event Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Frequency-hopping systems face challenges in synchronizing apparatuses quickly while minimizing exposure to jamming and direction finders, particularly due to clock drift and the need for shared time references.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for Over-The-Air-Hopping-Synchronisation (OTAHS) that allows flexible configuration of different apparatus roles, including hailer, master, and master-hailer, using time-based and operation-based events for synchronisation, with secure authentication and diverse network establishment to mitigate jamming and direction finding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If apparatuses use fixed time-based synchronisation events, then time synchronisation is achieved, but exposure to jamming and direction finding increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between time-based events (fixed intervals) and operation-based events (triggered by communications) for synchronisation. This dynamic approach allows the network to adapt its synchronisation behaviour based on operational context, reducing predictability and exposure to jamming while maintaining reliable time synchronisation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of synchronisation event selection by allowing apparatuses to be configured with different event types (time-based vs operation-based). This parameter change enables diverse synchronisation behaviours across the network, making it harder for adversaries to predict and jam synchronisation transmissions.
2Speed
If apparatuses synchronise quickly using frequent transmissions, then synchronisation speed improves, but vulnerability to attacks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic event selection where apparatuses can switch between time-based (frequent) and operation-based (less frequent) synchronisation events. This allows the network to achieve quick synchronisation when necessary while reducing transmission frequency during stable periods, thereby balancing synchronisation speed with reduced vulnerability to attacks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic time-based events at configurable intervals rather than continuous transmissions. This periodic approach provides regular synchronisation opportunities for quick re-synchronisation while creating predictable gaps that reduce overall exposure to jamming and direction-finding attacks compared to continuous or more frequent transmissions.
3Device complexity
If all apparatuses use the same synchronisation method, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different operational requirements decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a universal synchronisation framework that supports multiple event types (time-based and operation-based) within a single apparatus. Each apparatus can be configured to use different event types based on its operational role and requirements, providing versatility while maintaining a unified system architecture and common synchronisation protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its behaviour by allowing individual apparatuses to select different synchronisation event types based on their operational context. This dynamic configuration enables the network to optimise each apparatus's synchronisation behaviour for its specific role (e.g., master vs slave, high-mobility vs stationary) while maintaining overall system coherence.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system and method for time synchronisation across a network are provided. The apparatus includes a configuration receiving component for receiving configuration of the apparatus to monitor a synchronisation event selected from: a time-based event; and, an operation-based event. The apparatus includes a configuring component for configuring the apparatus to monitor the selected synchronisation event. The apparatus includes an occurrence detecting component for detecting occurrence of the synchronisation event and a synchronisation information transmitting component for, in response to detecting occurrence of the synchronisation event, transmitting synchronisation information usable for time synchronisation by another apparatus. A system including a number of apparatuses is also provided.