One-Step Timestamping for Encrypted PTP Clock Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clock synchronization methods in networked electronic devices face accuracy issues due to non-deterministic latency introduced by encryption processes, particularly in protocols like IEEE 1588 PTP, which can lead to increased resource usage and network bandwidth consumption with two-step timestamping processes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a 1-step timestamping method using state-based and two-port protocols that estimate and mitigate non-deterministic latencies by timestamping packets at the moment of transmission, ensuring accurate clock synchronization without the need for follow-up messages, and employing communication channels to manage packet processing delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two-step timestamping process is used to recover PTP protocol accuracy under encryption, then timestamp accuracy is improved, but resource consumption and network bandwidth usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the encryption latency compensation value before the timestamping process. The system measures the encryption latency once, calculates the compensation value, and stores it for reuse in subsequent timestamp operations. This eliminates the need for repeated two-step timestamping processes, thereby reducing resource consumption and network bandwidth usage while maintaining timestamp accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If two-step timestamping process is used to recover PTP protocol accuracy under encryption, then timestamp accuracy is improved, but network bandwidth usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the encryption latency compensation value before the timestamping process. The system measures the encryption latency once, calculates the compensation value, and stores it for reuse in subsequent timestamp operations. This eliminates the need for repeated two-step timestamping processes, thereby reducing resource consumption and network bandwidth usage while maintaining timestamp accuracy.
3Reliability
If encryption is applied to PTP packets for security, then security vulnerability is reduced, but latency uncertainty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by measuring the actual encryption latency and using this measurement to calculate a compensation value that is fed back into the timestamp calculation process. The system continuously monitors encryption latency and adjusts the compensation value accordingly, ensuring that timestamp accuracy is maintained despite the variable latency introduced by encryption. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain both security and latency determinism.
4Quantity of substance
If 1-step timestamping is used to reduce resource consumption, then resource usage decreases, but timestamp accuracy deteriorates under encryption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary compensation value that mediates between the 1-step timestamping simplicity and the encryption-induced latency uncertainty. The compensation value acts as a correction factor that is applied to the timestamp calculated in the 1-step process, effectively eliminating the accuracy deterioration caused by encryption while maintaining the resource efficiency of 1-step timestamping.
Data Source
AI summary
Electronic devices coupled to a network may exchange messages containing time-of-day information synchronization of the internal clocks. The information exchanged may include the instant at which a message leaves the electronic device. Discussed herein are methods and systems that allow 1-step timestamping of messages containing time-of-day information. The 1-step timestamping methods and systems may reduce the impact of non-deterministic time delays in the transmit path (e.g., encryption, expansion, inclusion of tags), and may improve the accuracy of the time-of-day information of the packets. For example, systems and methods may allow accurate 1-step timestamping of IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol packets with the uncertainty of delays from MACSec encryption or other security mechanisms. Some embodiments employ estimation non-deterministic delay of previously transmitted packets to estimate the state of the transmit path. Some embodiments include communication channels to allow circuitry in transmit path to report the state.