Synchronization Network Trail Selection Bias for Common Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Synchronization networks face challenges in maintaining accurate timing references across hybrid networks with mixed synchronous and packet-based communication technologies, leading to potential divergence and errors due to independent selection criteria for frequency and time synchronization sources.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for configuring synchronization networks that automatically compare and bias the selection of time and frequency synchronization trails to share a common source, using a combination of physical layer and packet-based methods to ensure consistent synchronization references, thereby reducing errors and maintaining network stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If independent selection criteria are used for frequency and time synchronization sources, then device complexity is reduced, but synchronization accuracy deteriorates due to potential source divergence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the selection criteria for frequency and time synchronization by introducing a bias factor that couples their selection processes. Instead of completely independent selection, the criteria are combined such that selecting a frequency synchronization source influences the selection of time synchronization source, ensuring they share a common ultimate source while maintaining manageable complexity.
2Measurement precision
If manual planning and configuration of synchronization networks is performed, then synchronization accuracy is improved through careful design, but operational expenditure increases due to significant re-planning effort required when network changes occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the synchronization network to automatically reconfigure itself when changes occur. The biased selection criteria allow nodes to autonomously adapt to network changes without requiring manual re-planning, while still maintaining synchronization accuracy through the inherent bias toward common sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the synchronization configuration adaptive rather than static. The selection criteria dynamically adjust based on current network conditions and available sources, allowing the system to evolve with network changes while preserving the benefits of careful design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If heterogeneous synchronization technologies are deployed in hybrid networks, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to challenging management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a unified selection criteria framework that works across heterogeneous synchronization technologies. The biased selection mechanism provides a universal approach that can handle TDM legacy, synchronous Ethernet, and packet-based technologies through a common management paradigm, reducing the complexity of managing diverse technologies.
Data Source
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AI summary
Configuring a node (410) of a synchronization network involves identifying (10) possible alternative time synchronization trails arranged to carry time synchronization information for time synchronization at the node, and possible alternative frequency trails, arranged to carry frequency synchronization information for frequency synchronization at the node. Using information about the sources (20), a comparison of the trails (30) is biased to increase a likelihood of choosing time synchronization and frequency trails which share the same source, over a likelihood of choosing trails with different sources. This can help avoid divergence and consequent bit errors arising from phase errors, resulting from trails having different sources. It can encompass for example changing both to a new common source, or changing one or both trails while still using the old common source.