PTP Clock Controller for Precise Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing synchronization methods in telecommunication networks face challenges in achieving precise clock recovery, especially in nodes with limited CPU resources and dynamic network topologies, where clock recovery algorithms need to be updated seamlessly and adapt to traceable network changes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of PTP clock agents and a PTP clock controller that communicate via a control path to generate and distribute clock-recovery control data, allowing for seamless updates and adaptations in clock recovery algorithms, even in mixed time distribution networks with legacy clocks, using proprietary communication protocols and algorithms like BMCA for topology management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If clock recovery algorithms are implemented in nodes with limited CPU resources, then synchronization precision is improved, but device complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized PTP clock controller as an intermediary that performs complex clock recovery calculations and generates control data, which is then distributed to PTP clock agents in network nodes. This mediator approach transfers the computational burden from resource-limited nodes to a dedicated controller, enabling precise clock recovery without overloading node CPUs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex clock recovery algorithm implementation from individual network nodes and consolidates it in a centralized PTP clock controller. The controller generates simplified clock-recovery control data that nodes can execute with minimal processing, effectively removing the computational burden from resource-constrained devices while maintaining synchronization precision.
2Reliability
If clock recovery algorithms need to adapt to dynamic network topologies, then synchronization reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the PTP clock controller continuously monitors network topology changes and clock synchronization status, then dynamically adjusts and redistributes clock-recovery control data to PTP clock agents. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to topology changes automatically, maintaining synchronization reliability without requiring complex manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the clock recovery system dynamic by enabling the PTP clock controller to generate and update clock-recovery control data in real-time based on current network conditions and topology. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing network environments, improving reliability while the centralized control manages the complexity of algorithm updates.
3Ease of operation
If PTP clock agents and controller communicate via control path, then ease of operation is improved, but network bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts clock management and control communications from the data path and places them in a separate control path between the PTP clock controller and PTP clock agents. This separation allows for simplified operational management through dedicated control signaling while the data path remains optimized for packet traffic, though control path establishment and maintenance consume additional network resources.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a time distribution network (TDN) comprising a plurality of clock nodes and a controller being in data communication with the clock nodes via a control path and a method of operating thereof. The method of operating a clock node comprises: sending to the controller a first timestamp-related data; receiving clock-recovery control data generated by the controller using the first timestamp-related data, processing the received clock-recovery control data to extract data usable for phase and frequency recovery; and using the extracted data to steer frequency and phase characterizing the clock node. The method of operating the controller comprises: continuously receiving from the clock nodes timestamp-related data being informative of master and slave timestamps associated with the respective clock nodes; using the received first timestamp-related data to generate clock-recovery control data with respect to the clock nodes, the generated clock-recovery control data comprising data usable for phase and frequency recovery; and continuously sending the generated clock-recovery control data, via the control path, to the respective clock nodes.