PTP Message Transmission for Cross-Version Network Compatibility

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in achieving compatibility between devices using different versions of the Precision Time Protocol (PTP), leading to synchronization issues and requiring manual configuration of ports, which is time-consuming and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

A message transmission method and device that determine the PTP version of a sending port and send a first PTP message using that version, allowing for automatic protocol compatibility without manual configuration, thereby improving efficiency and maintainability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual configuration of port protocol versions is implemented, then protocol compatibility between old and new devices can be achieved, but the workload increases significantly and configuration errors are prone to occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidconfiguration workload
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the protocol version of connected devices and configures the appropriate protocol version for communication without requiring manual intervention. The network side device autonomously identifies whether a connected device uses an old or new PTP protocol version and adjusts its communication protocol accordingly, eliminating the need for manual port configuration while ensuring protocol compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the protocol version parameter based on the detected device type. When an old version device is detected, the system switches to using the old PTP protocol version for communication on that port; when a new version device is detected, it uses the new protocol version. This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures compatibility while simplifying operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If manual configuration of port protocol versions is implemented, then protocol compatibility can be achieved, but reconfiguration is required when network topology changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidmaintenance efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the network topology and device connections, automatically detecting changes in the network environment. When a device is connected or disconnected, or when a device's protocol version changes, the system receives feedback about the new network state and automatically adjusts the communication protocol accordingly, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration during network changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static manual configuration to dynamic automatic adaptation. The protocol version used for communication is no longer fixed but dynamically adjusted based on real-time detection of connected devices' protocol versions. This dynamic approach allows the system to automatically adapt to network topology changes without requiring maintenance intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If new version PTP protocol is used to carry more information, then time synchronization accuracy improves, but compatibility with old version devices deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetime synchronization accuracyVSAvoidprotocol compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different protocol versions to different communication contexts based on the connected device. When communicating with old version devices, the system uses the old PTP protocol version that ensures compatibility. When communicating with new version devices, it uses the new protocol version that provides enhanced time synchronization accuracy and additional information fields. This localized application of different protocol qualities optimizes both compatibility and performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the communication interfaces by protocol version capability. Each port or communication channel is independently configured to use the appropriate protocol version based on the connected device's capabilities. This segmentation allows the network to simultaneously support both old and new protocol versions, enabling high-precision synchronization with new devices while maintaining compatibility with legacy devices through separate communication paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3813319B1Message transmission method, device, network side apparatus and storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 CHINA MOBILE COMM GRP CO LTD
  • EP3813319B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3813319B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3813319B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

A message transmission method, a message transmission device, a network side device and a storage medium are provided. The method includes: determining a PTP version of a sending port set by a network side device; sending a first PTP message that uses the PTP version of the sending port through the sending port.