Network Interface Card Timing Synchronization via Management NIC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network equipment test devices face challenges in synchronizing timing among network interface cards, which is crucial for accurate packet timing statistics, but existing solutions are not effectively implemented due to cost considerations and the need for precise timing consistency on a micro or nanosecond scale.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for synchronizing timing among network interface cards in a network equipment test device using a management network interface card that obtains or generates accurate clock information, computes a frequency adjustment factor and offset, and adjusts the clocks of test network interface cards to ensure consistent recording of packet transmit and receipt times, utilizing external sources like IEEE 1588 or internal clocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If timing synchronization solutions are implemented among network interface cards, then timing consistency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a management network interface card as an intermediary component that obtains timing information from external sources (such as IEEE 1588 PTP or GPS) and distributes synchronized timing to test network interface cards. This mediator approach enables timing synchronization without requiring complex peer-to-peer synchronization protocols among all NICs, thereby improving timing consistency while controlling system complexity through centralized timing management.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard hardware and software are used in network interface cards, then cost is reduced, but timing synchronization capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-mode timing architecture where network interface cards can operate with standard hardware for cost-effective applications, while a management NIC provides advanced timing synchronization capabilities when needed. The system universally supports both basic independent timing operation and synchronized timing operation, allowing organizations to pay only for the synchronization capability they require while maintaining compatibility with standard NIC hardware across the board.
3Measurement precision
If continuous timing adjustment is performed, then timing accuracy is improved, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic timing synchronization where the management network interface card obtains timing information at regular intervals (e.g., every second for IEEE 1588 PTP) and distributes these periodic timing updates to test NICs. This periodic approach maintains timing accuracy within acceptable bounds without requiring continuous real-time adjustment, thereby reducing processing overhead while preserving sufficient timing precision for network performance measurement applications.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for synchronizing timing among network interface cards in a network equipment test device are disclosed. One method includes generating and sending timing synchronization measurement signals to the management network interface card and a test network interface card in the network equipment test device. The method further includes recording times of receipt of the timing synchronization measurement signals at the management network interface card and the test network interface card. The method further includes adjusting timing of the test network interface card using the times of receipt of the timing synchronization measurement signals.