Coordinated Timing Network PTP Primary Reference Time Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coordinated timing networks face limitations in achieving stringent synchronization between disparate systems, particularly with the network timing protocol (NTP) source approach, which requires external pulse-per-second signals for enhanced accuracy.
Innovation Solution
Modifying the STP architecture to support precision-time-protocol (PTP) as a primary-reference-time source, enabling selection and configuration within the network, allowing for tighter synchronization and eliminating the need for external pulse-per-second signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If NTP source approach is used with external pulse-per-second signals, then time synchronization accuracy is improved, but device complexity and external hardware requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces PTP as an intermediary protocol that mediates between the NTP source and the time synchronization requirement. PTP operates within the existing STP facility infrastructure, acting as a mediator that provides high-precision synchronization without requiring external pulse-per-second hardware links. The PTP time source processes timing information through the network protocol stack, eliminating the need for direct external hardware connections while maintaining sub-microsecond accuracy.
2Device complexity
If NTP source is used without external pulse-per-second signals, then device complexity is reduced, but time synchronization accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the time synchronization system by implementing PTP, which provides timing information with much finer granularity (sub-microsecond range) compared to standard NTP. The PTP protocol modifies how time stamps are generated, transmitted, and processed, using precise timestamping at protocol boundaries and calculating one-way delays to achieve higher accuracy without external hardware signals.
3Measurement precision
If PTP is implemented as PRT source, then time synchronization granularity is improved, but protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the STP facility universal by enabling it to support multiple time source types (NTP, PTP, and external PPS) through a common interface and configuration mechanism. The system can select between different time source types based on availability and requirements, with the PTP implementation integrated into the existing STP message structure. This multi-functionality allows the same facility to achieve high precision when PTP is available while maintaining compatibility with other time source types.
4Reliability
If external pulse-per-second links are required, then reliability of time synchronization is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements PTP as a self-service solution where the time synchronization system obtains precise timing information through standard network protocols without requiring manual configuration of external hardware links. The PTP time source automatically exchanges timing messages with peer systems, calculates delays, and adjusts clock offsets autonomously. This eliminates the need for operators to physically connect and configure external pulse-per-second hardware links while maintaining reliable synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
A time server of a coordinated timing network (CTN) receives a command, including a primary-reference-time (PRT) source identifier identifying a time source in use for the server time protocol (STP) facility as a precision-time-protocol (PTP) time server. The time server obtains the primary-reference-time source identifier from the command, and distributes the primary-reference-time source identifier obtained from the command to one or more other servers of the coordinated timing network to facilitate processing within the coordinated timing network.