Optical Switch Network Clock Synchronization via Synchronization Manager
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional slotted networks with optical switches are unable to implement Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE) for clock synchronization due to their inability to perform packet switching, leading to nodes synchronizing with clocks that are not the master clock, disrupting network functionality.
Innovation Solution
A slotted network architecture that includes a master device and slave devices connected via an optical switch, where each slave device has a synchronization manager that enables and disables to receive and transmit clock signals, ensuring synchronization with the master clock frequency, using a Synchronous Ethernet standard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If optical switches are used in slotted networks, then network connectivity and switching capability are improved, but the ability to perform packet switching and synchronize clocks is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a synchronization manager as an intermediary component that mediates between the optical switch and the clock synchronization mechanism. This manager enables SyncE functionality by handling the synchronization protocol independently from the optical switching fabric, allowing packet switching capability to be restored while maintaining optical connectivity benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the network device functionality into distinct components: the optical switch for connectivity, the synchronization manager for coordination, and the local clock for timing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with others, resolving the contradiction between optical switching and clock synchronization.
2Ease of operation
If nodes synchronize with available clock signals, then local timing is established, but nodes may synchronize with non-master clocks causing network disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization manager implements feedback mechanisms to continuously monitor and verify clock signal sources. It ensures that nodes only synchronize with master clocks by providing feedback about the master clock status to the synchronization protocol, preventing nodes from locking onto incorrect clock sources and causing network disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by establishing master clock identification and authentication before the synchronization process begins. The synchronization manager pre-configures the network to recognize and prefer master clocks over slave clocks, ensuring that nodes only synchronize with appropriate sources from the outset.
Data Source
AI summary
Network devices and associated methods are provided for synchronization in an optically switched network. The network device includes one or more ports in communication with a plurality of devices via an optical switch. The one or more ports receive a master clock signal having a first frequency from a first device of the plurality of devices. The network device includes a local clock in communication with the one or more ports and operating at a second frequency. The network device includes a synchronization manager in communication with the one or more ports and the local clock and configured to be enabled and disabled. When the synchronization manager is enabled, it receives the master clock signal via the one or more ports and transmits an instruction to the local clock to operate at the first frequency.