Network Time Synchronization Using Reference IDs and Calibration Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
As the Internet develops, the synchronization among devices in a network becomes increasingly complex and important, with growing data exchange capacity and device size, necessitating improved synchronization methods to enhance flexibility and robustness.
Innovation Solution
A time synchronization method involving periodic generation of a synchronization request signal, determination of a reference ID, and updating device time based on received time information from peer devices, utilizing a calibration link to synchronize time within a local area network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional time synchronization methods are used in growing networks, then basic synchronization is maintained, but synchronization flexibility and robustness deteriorate as network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple communication links with designated calibration links, dividing the synchronization problem into manageable parts. Each link can be independently configured and managed, allowing the system to scale without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces reference ID signals as intermediaries that facilitate time synchronization between devices. These reference signals act as mediators that carry timing information across the network, enabling synchronization without direct complex interactions between all device pairs.
2Reliability
If traditional time synchronization methods are used in growing networks, then basic synchronization is maintained, but synchronization robustness deteriorates as network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-designating calibration links and reference ID signals before synchronization issues arise. This proactive configuration ensures that robust synchronization paths are already in place, preventing degradation as the network grows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where devices send reference ID signals containing timing information back to other devices. This closed-loop feedback ensures continuous synchronization and allows the system to detect and correct drift, maintaining robustness despite network complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more communication links are added to increase device connectivity, then network capability improves, but time synchronization difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designating specific communication links as calibration links with special synchronization properties. Rather than trying to synchronize all links uniformly, the system focuses calibration efforts on selected links, simplifying the measurement and synchronization process even as connectivity increases.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a time synchronization method, a time synchronization device, a time synchronization apparatus and a storage medium. The method includes: periodically generating, by a local device, a synchronization request signal, and determining a first reference ID of the local device; sending the synchronization request signal and the first reference ID to peer devices; receiving a second reference ID and time information sent from each peer device through a communication link; and updating time of the local device according to the time information transmitted from a calibration link, the calibration link being a corresponding communication link of a target reference ID in second reference IDs sent from the peer devices.