Timestamp Compensation in Virtualized Networks

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network timing protocols, such as NTP and PTP, struggle to maintain accurate timestamps in virtualized and dynamically orchestrated networks, leading to scalability issues and inaccuracies due to asymmetrical network paths and high noise levels, which affect the calculation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

Innovation Solution

A network system comprising a timing reference node, a free-run node, and a timing aggregator, where the timing reference node calculates and transmits timestamps, and the free-run node calculates metadata packets with sparse hash values, allowing the timing aggregator to determine timestamp compensation values for accurate clock synchronization across the network, even in the presence of asymmetrical paths and noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional time distribution protocols (NTP, PTP) are used in virtualized networks, then time synchronization can be achieved, but scalability is limited and accuracy deteriorates due to asymmetrical network paths and high noise levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetimestamp accuracyVSAvoidscalability in virtualized networks

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the time synchronization function into three distinct roles: timing reference nodes that generate timestamps, free-run nodes that operate independently, and timing aggregators that collect and analyze data. This segmentation allows the system to scale across virtualized networks while maintaining accuracy through distributed operation rather than centralized control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The timing aggregator acts as an intermediary that collects timestamp data from multiple reference nodes and free-run nodes, then uses statistical analysis to determine compensation values. This intermediary layer isolates the system from asymmetrical network paths and noise, allowing accurate time determination without requiring direct peer-to-peer synchronization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If centralized time distribution is implemented, then time synchronization is achieved, but the system cannot scale to virtualized and dynamically orchestrated networks

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovescalabilityVSAvoidtimestamp accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the time synchronization function into three distinct roles: timing reference nodes that generate timestamps, free-run nodes that operate independently, and timing aggregators that collect and analyze data. This segmentation allows the system to scale across virtualized networks while maintaining accuracy through distributed operation rather than centralized control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Free-run nodes operate independently using their own local clocks without requiring continuous centralized control. Each node determines its own time compensation values based on collected timestamp data, enabling the system to scale across distributed virtualized environments while maintaining synchronization accuracy through autonomous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If network time protocols are used in dynamic networks, then time distribution is achieved, but accuracy deteriorates due to asymmetrical paths and noise

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveKPI calculation reliabilityVSAvoidtimestamp precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The timing aggregator acts as an intermediary that collects timestamp data from multiple reference nodes and free-run nodes, then uses statistical analysis to determine compensation values. This intermediary layer isolates the system from asymmetrical network paths and noise, allowing accurate time determination without requiring direct peer-to-peer synchronization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback through the timing aggregator that continuously collects timestamp data, analyzes variations, and determines compensation values that are applied to correct timing drift. This closed-loop feedback mechanism maintains timestamp precision and ensures reliable KPI calculations by continuously adapting to network conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11303374B2Time determination of distributed events without distribution of reference time, phase, or frequency

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 LUMINOUS CYBER CORP

AI summary

A network of computing devices includes a timing reference, a free-run node, and an aggregator. The reference calculates a first communication packet having a reference timestamp and reference data, and transmits the first packet to the free-run node. The free-run node receives the first packet from the timing reference, calculates a second packet having metadata that includes the reference timestamp, a sparse hash value calculated from the reference data, and a free-run node timestamp, and publishes the second packet to the aggregator. The aggregator receives the second packet and calculates a compensation value from the reference timestamp, the sparse hash value, and the free-run node timestamp. Computer-implemented methods include the free-run node receiving the compensation value and updating its local dock based on the compensation value. Other methods include the aggregator determining an optimal packet path through a network of computing devices based on the metadata.