Timestamp Module for Communication Device Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The synchronization of internal clocks in communication devices over a network connection is affected by varying latency and encryption/decryption processes, leading to decreased accuracy and potential frame dropping, which complicates time synchronization protocols.
Innovation Solution
A timestamp module is introduced to record the reception time of frames and associate it with a unique identification number, allowing for precise synchronization and handling of dropped frames by storing the timestamp for later association with processed frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frames are transmitted over the network connection with encryption/decryption processes, then security is improved, but latency varies and synchronization accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by recording the timestamp of the incoming frame at the network interface controller (NIC) immediately upon reception, before the frame undergoes encryption or decryption processing. This ensures that the timestamp captures the exact arrival time at the NIC, eliminating variability introduced by subsequent security processing. The timestamp is stored in a buffer and later associated with the processed frame, thereby preserving synchronization accuracy while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If encryption/decryption processes are applied to frames, then security is improved, but frame processing time increases and frame dropping occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the timestamp recording action in advance, at the moment the frame is received by the NIC, before the frame is passed to the data processing unit for encryption or decryption. This preliminary timestamp capture eliminates the need to wait for the time-consuming security processing to complete, thereby reducing the overall frame processing time while maintaining security requirements.
3Measurement precision
If timestamps are recorded at the network interface controller before data processing, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device into distinct functional units: the network interface controller (NIC) responsible for receiving frames and recording timestamps, and the data processing unit responsible for encryption/decryption and timestamp association. This segmentation allows the timestamp recording function to be performed independently at the NIC level, improving synchronization accuracy without significantly increasing overall device complexity, as each unit performs its designated function efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to timestamp module of a communication device, the timestamp module is able to allocate a reception time of a frame a transceiver just to the relevant, received frames, while a data processing unit is allocated between the transceiver and the timestamp module. The present invention also relates to the communication device and a method for the timestamp module.