Timestamp Circuitry with Time Gating for Network Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current timestamping methods in network devices, such as two-step and one-step timestamping, face challenges in accuracy and complexity due to latency and increased overhead, and vulnerabilities in timestamp security, affecting clock synchronization in communication networks.
Innovation Solution
A network device with timestamp circuitry that embeds a future timestamp in packets and includes time gating circuitry to hold and release packets at precise transmit times, ensuring accurate timestamping and security through media-independent communication interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If two-step timestamping is used to avoid hardware complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but latency increases and timestamp accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding the transmit timestamp in the timing packet before transmission. The timestamp circuitry generates and inserts the timestamp value into the packet at the moment of transmission, so the receiving device immediately has access to the accurate transmit time without waiting for a follow-up packet.
2Measurement precision
If one-step timestamping is used to improve timestamp accuracy, then timestamp precision is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the timestamp generation and embedding function into a dedicated timestamp circuitry component that operates independently from the main packet processing logic. This specialized hardware module is specifically designed to generate and insert timestamps with minimal overhead, separating the timing function from general-purpose processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary timestamp circuitry that acts as a mediator between the packet transmission process and the timing system. This intermediary component receives transmission timing information and embeds it into the packet, bridging the gap between physical layer transmission and higher-layer processing without requiring full parsing and computation at wire speed.
3Measurement precision
If timestamps are embedded in packets for accuracy, then timestamp accuracy is improved, but security vulnerabilities increase as timestamps become exposed to modification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing security measures that prevent timestamp modification before the timestamp can be compromised. The system uses cryptographic authentication and integrity protection mechanisms that are applied to the timestamp data, making it resistant to tampering while maintaining accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Timestamp circuitry of a network device modifies a packet by embedding a future timestamp in the packet to generate a timestamped packet. The future timestamp corresponds to a transmit time that occurs after the timestamp circuitry embeds the future timestamp in the packet. The timing information is added to the packet and the packet is then transferred to transmitter circuitry of the network device via a communication link, internal to the network device, that operates according to a media independent communication interface. Time gating circuitry of the transmitter circuitry i) holds the timestamped packet from proceeding to a network link coupled to the network device prior to a current time reaching the transmit time, and ii) releases the timestamped packet for transmission via the network link in response to the current time reaching the transmit time.