Synchronization Message Routing via Local Table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current synchronization methods in communication networks, particularly those using the PTPv2 protocol, face issues such as layer violation and complex setup requirements due to the need for intermediate equipment to modify packet payloads and determine encapsulation types, which can lead to operational imbalances and synchronization errors.
Innovation Solution
A method and equipment for routing synchronization messages that utilize a local synchronization routing table to determine output ports based on input ports and indicate local routing needs, avoiding layer violations and simplifying configuration by using a global routing table for other packets, allowing bidirectional multicast and mixing of 'Transparent Clock' and 'Boundary Clock' types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If intermediate equipment modifies packet payloads to add transit time information, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but protocol layer compliance deteriorates (layer violation)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates synchronization message handling from regular packet routing by creating a dedicated PTP message detection and processing path. The intermediate equipment identifies PTP synchronization messages and routes them through a specialized handling mechanism that adds transit time information without violating protocol layers, as the modification is performed within the synchronization protocol context rather than by intercepting and modifying generic packet payloads.
2Ease of operation
If intermediate equipment determines encapsulation types to modify packets, then synchronization message routing is improved, but configuration complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having the intermediate equipment automatically detect PTP synchronization messages within the packet stream and autonomously determine the appropriate routing and modification actions. The system identifies messages carrying synchronization information and autonomously adds transit time measurements without requiring external configuration or manual intervention to specify encapsulation types, thereby simplifying the overall configuration complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If synchronization messages are routed like regular traffic packets, then routing flexibility is improved, but timing precision deteriorates (transfer time variation)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that acts as a bridge between regular packet routing and synchronization message requirements. The intermediate equipment serves as a mediator that receives synchronization messages, measures their transit time through the equipment, adds this timing information to the messages, and forwards them. This intermediary approach maintains routing flexibility while ensuring timing precision by explicitly measuring and compensating for transfer time variations that would otherwise occur in standard packet routing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of routing synchronization messages in a packet communication network, in which a packet is routed using a global routing table. A piece of equipment in the network implements the following steps: detecting a packet carrying a synchronization message in a packet stream; determining an output port; emitting a packet carrying the message at the determined output port, the message being modified using a piece of information representing a time of transit in the equipment. A synchronization routing table, which stores at least one association between an input port and at least one output port, is configured in the equipment. When the packet carrying the received message indicates a routing needs to be carried out using the synchronization table, the output port for this packet is determined by the equipment according to an input port on which the packet is received and by reading the synchronization table.