Packet Network Clock Signal Recovery and Distribution
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IP packet networks lack synchronization, which is essential for providing circuit services, and existing solutions require high network building costs and complex maintenance due to the need for separate synchronization networks.
Innovation Solution
A network device with a master control board, switching backplane, and interface boards that recover and process clock signals to distribute a reference clock throughout the network, allowing for synchronization similar to circuit networks while maintaining high bandwidth, using phase-locked loop circuits and signal drive circuits to ensure uniform timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate synchronization network is built to provide circuit services over IP packet network, then network synchronization and circuit service quality are improved, but network building cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the synchronization function with the existing IP packet network infrastructure. The synchronization signal is carried over the same physical network links used for data transmission, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated synchronization network. This is achieved by modulating synchronization information onto the data packets or using existing network protocols to distribute timing information throughout the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The IP packet network infrastructure is made multi-functional by enabling it to perform both data transmission and synchronization functions simultaneously. Network devices such as routers and switches are equipped with synchronization processing capabilities that allow them to generate, receive, and distribute synchronization signals using their existing hardware resources, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated synchronization equipment.
2Measurement precision
If a separate synchronization network is built to ensure timing throughout the network, then synchronization precision is improved, but maintenance difficulty and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining synchronization functions with the existing IP network infrastructure, the patent reduces the number of separate networks that require maintenance. Network administrators can manage synchronization through the same operational frameworks used for data network management, simplifying maintenance procedures and reducing operational complexity while maintaining precise timing through standardized synchronization protocols.
3Reliability
If existing IP network solutions like RTP and ACM are used for synchronization, then some synchronization capability is achieved, but transmission delay and packet loss requirements are excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary synchronization actions by establishing timing references and synchronization protocols before data transmission begins. Network devices pre-configurate synchronization parameters and establish timing relationships in advance, allowing for more efficient real-time synchronization during operation. This preliminary setup reduces the need for complex real-time adjustments and minimizes transmission delay requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables uniform timing throughout the IP packet network, allowing for both circuit-like services and high-bandwidth multi-services with reduced network building costs and simplified maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
A Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) locks to this timing signal and regenerates a new reference clock
Implementation Method 2
the clock processing unit of the master control board is adapted to process the recovered clock signal to obtain a reference clock signal
Implementation Method 3
the first physical layer processing unit is adapted to exchange data with a first processing device in the packet communication system over a first data link, recover a clock signal from the first data link
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A system and method for realizing network synchronization by packet network mainly includes: restoring the clock signal from the superior processing equipment data link of the packet network, and sending it to the subordinate processing equipment; realizing the synchronization of said processing equipment based on said clock signal. It can realize the uniform timing of the whole network and change the IP network without the timing into the synchronous network, which is similarly with the circuit network, with high bandwidth. It can not only provide a circuit simulation service, but also a multi-service with high bandwidth.