SFP-Port GNSS Synchronization for Retrofit Network Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for providing network devices with positioning and time synchronization information, such as GNSS receivers, are inflexible and costly due to the need for hardware modifications or dedicated ports, making it difficult to update or integrate them into network devices.
Innovation Solution
A positioning and synchronization apparatus using a standard SFP fiber port connector, which includes a GNSS receiver and antenna, allowing easy plugging into network devices without hardware modifications, providing positioning and synchronization signals through separate pins to avoid signal collisions and facilitate updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a GNSS receiver is built into each network device, then positioning and synchronization capabilities are provided, but device complexity increases and hardware modifications are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device that connects to the network device through a standard SFP fiber port. This intermediary contains the GNSS receiver and acts as a mediator, providing positioning and synchronization signals to the network device without requiring the network device itself to be modified. The intermediary translates GNSS signals into formats compatible with the network device's existing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into two independent parts: the network device and the intermediary positioning/synchronization device. The GNSS receiver is separated from the network device and placed in the intermediary, which connects via standard interfaces. This segmentation allows the network device to remain unchanged while still gaining positioning and synchronization capabilities through the external intermediary.
2Reliability
If a stand-alone GNSS receiver is provided to connect to the network device, then positioning capability is added, but dedicated ports are required involving hardware modification
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary device is designed with universal compatibility, connecting to the network device through a standard SFP fiber port that is commonly found in network equipment. This standard interface allows the solution to be adapted to various network devices without requiring dedicated ports or hardware modifications, enhancing versatility and ease of deployment.
3Reliability
If dedicated ports are provided for GNSS receiver connection, then connection stability is improved, but hardware modification cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary serves as a cost-effective solution by utilizing existing standard SFP fiber ports rather than requiring new dedicated ports. This approach maintains connection stability through proper signal conditioning and isolation in the intermediary, while avoiding the high costs associated with hardware modifications to the network device.
4Measurement precision
If GNSS receiver is integrated into network device, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but flexibility to update decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the GNSS receiver from the network device and placing it in an external intermediary, the system maintains synchronization accuracy through precise signal processing in the intermediary while enabling easy updates. The intermediary can be replaced or upgraded independently of the network device, providing flexibility to adopt newer GNSS technologies without replacing entire network devices.
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations of the present disclosure relate to positioning and synchronization of network device. A positioning and synchronization apparatus comprises an antenna. The apparatus also comprises a small form factor pluggable (SFP) connector comprising a first pin connected to a first pin of a SFP fiber port of a network device and a second pin connected to a second pin of the SFP fiber port. The apparatus also comprises a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver. The GNSS receiver is configured to receive signals comprising positioning-related information over the antenna and to provide a positioning signal over the first pin of the SFP connector and a pulse per second (PPS) signal over the second pin of the SFP connector.