Optical Network Clock Synchronization via Transit Time Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for distributing clock synchronization information in optical communications networks face limitations, including the need for synchronized network elements and support for only single network operators, which complicates implementation and increases costs, especially in multi-operator networks.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves receiving an ingress clock synchronization message, inserting the message identifier into the optical channel frame overhead, and updating the correction field with transit times across network elements, allowing each element to maintain its own synchronization source and enabling distribution across a fully asynchronous network for multiple transport operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If network elements are synchronized to distribute clock synchronization information, then synchronization precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where network elements do not directly synchronize with each other but rather receive correction information from a central controller. The controller acts as a mediator that calculates and distributes correction values to slave network elements, eliminating the need for direct synchronization between all network elements while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs copying by having network elements replicate the correction information received from the controller to their respective slave network elements. This allows the correction values to be distributed throughout the network without requiring each element to perform complex synchronization calculations, reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single network operator model is used, then implementation simplicity is improved, but adaptability to multi-operator networks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a controller that can serve multiple network operators simultaneously. The controller receives correction information from any operator's master network element and distributes it to the appropriate slave elements, enabling the same system architecture to support both single-operator and multi-operator network configurations without requiring separate implementations.
3Measurement precision
If correction field is updated at each network element, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential correction information from the full synchronization messages and places it in a dedicated correction field within the existing network element framing structure. By taking out only the necessary correction values rather than transmitting complete synchronization data at each element, the system achieves high accuracy while minimizing bandwidth consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A method distributes clock synchronization information within an optical communications network that includes a plurality of network elements. The method receives an ingress clock synchronization message at a first network element. The ingress clock synchronization message includes a clock synchronization message identifier and a correction field. The clock synchronization message identifier is inserted into an optical channel frame overhead and the ingress clock synchronization message is inserted into an optical channel frame payload. The optical channel frame overhead and the optical channel frame payload are transmitted across the first network element, across the network to a second network element, and across the second network element. A transit time of the clock synchronization message identifier is determined across each of the network elements. At the second network element, the correction field of the ingress clock synchronization message is updated with the transit times to form an egress clock synchronization message.