OTN Timestamping for Microsecond Event Sequencing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining the sequential order of network events across nodes in Optical Transport Networks (OTNs) are inefficient, often requiring manual effort and lacking precision, especially in large networks, and existing synchronization protocols are not effective or cost-efficient for Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) networks.

Innovation Solution

A method involving classification of nodes as master and slave, performing delay measurements, and using the measured delay and time references to determine the sequential order of events, allowing for precise timestamp mapping and logging of events across the network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual event analysis is performed by engineers, then event sequencing can be determined, but the process is extremely tedious and fraught with error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveevent sequencing accuracyVSAvoidtime required for event analysis

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic event sequencing through software that processes timestamp data from network nodes autonomously, eliminating the need for manual analysis by engineers while maintaining high accuracy in determining event order

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical analysis processes with automated software-based timestamp processing and comparison algorithms, substituting human effort with computational methods that are both faster and more accurate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If conventional synchronization protocols (NTP, GPS, PTP) are implemented, then clock synchronization can be achieved, but precision is only within tens of milliseconds which causes improper ordering of network events

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetimestamp precisionVSAvoidsynchronization system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the time reference parameter from conventional millisecond-level synchronization to microsecond-level precision by utilizing OTN delay measurement capabilities and frame-based timing mechanisms, enabling proper event sequencing without requiring complex additional hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If each node maintains independent internal clocks, then nodes can operate autonomously, but determining sequential order of events across nodes becomes impossible without synchronization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenode operational independenceVSAvoidevent timing correlation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces delay measurement data and timestamp mapping as an intermediary mechanism that allows nodes to maintain independent clocks while still enabling accurate event sequencing through relative timing relationships established via OTN network path measurements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If software tools are used to automate event sequencing offline, then manual effort is reduced, but accuracy is limited to several milliseconds and systematic management is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveevent analysis automationVSAvoidevent timestamp accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary delay measurements and timestamp mapping during normal OTN operation before event sequencing is needed, establishing accurate time reference relationships in advance that enable microsecond-level event ordering without requiring offline processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates event sequencing functionality into the existing OTN delay measurement and OAM framework, making the synchronization mechanism universal and systematically manageable through standard network operations rather than requiring separate specialized tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8953948B2Optical transport network synchronization and timestamping systems and methods

Publication Date: 2015.02.10 CIENA CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure provides to Optical Transport Network (OTN_ synchronization systems and methods that maintain proper sequential ordering of events at nodes which may be utilized in performing root cause analysis or diagnosing network performance. In an exemplary embodiment, the systems and methods utilize functionality incorporated into OTN providing a cost effective and standards-based approach to nodal synchronization. Once synchronized, network events are logged with an appropriate timestamp enabling a determination of a sequential order of network events can be determined. Further, the node timestamps may be synchronized, with microsecond or even sub-microsecond of precession which is critical in diagnosing network failures or slow traffic recovery.