Timestamp Record Segmentation for Controllable Clock Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current time-transfer protocols in packet data networks, such as IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) and Network Time Protocol (NTP), do not allow for controlled accuracy of clock synchronization, as all nodes receive the same level of timestamp accuracy, failing to cater to varying customer requirements for time delivery accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where the timing-server modifies timestamp records to enable controllable access to the least significant part of clock-informative data (CLSP data), allowing it to be encrypted or substituted, and only authorized timing-clients can access and use this data for synchronization, while all nodes can access the most significant part (CMSP data), thereby enabling adaptable clock distribution accuracy based on client requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all timing-clients receive the same timestamp accuracy, then uniform service delivery is achieved, but inability to meet varying customer requirements for time delivery accuracy occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The timestamp record is segmented into two distinct parts: the most significant part (CMSP) containing clock-informative data and the least significant part (CLSP) containing fractional seconds data. This segmentation allows differential access control where CMSP is provided to all timing-clients while CLSP is selectively provided only to authorized timing-clients, enabling varied service levels without requiring fundamentally different timestamp structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the timestamp record are assigned different access rights and quality levels. The CMSP is made universally accessible with high availability, while the CLSP is restricted to authorized clients only. This local quality differentiation allows the system to provide high accuracy service to premium customers while maintaining basic service for all clients, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Measurement precision
If high accuracy time delivery is provided to all customers, then maximum synchronization precision is achieved, but increased network load and processing overhead occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides partial action by delivering only the necessary portion of timestamp data (CMSP) to all timing-clients, and excessive action (full precision CLSP) only to authorized timing-clients. This partial delivery approach maintains adequate synchronization for general clients while reserving full precision resources for authorized clients, thereby improving overall network efficiency while preserving measurement precision where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The access control mechanism changes the parameter of data availability for different client groups. By modifying which parts of the timestamp (CMSP vs. CLSP) are made accessible to different timing-clients, the system dynamically adjusts the effective precision parameter delivered to each client type, optimizing the balance between synchronization accuracy and network productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If timestamp records are modified to enable selective access, then controllable accuracy distribution is achieved, but increased processing complexity at timing-server occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The timing-server performs preliminary action by pre-modifying the timestamp record structure before distribution, separating CMSP and CLSP and establishing access control rules in advance. This preliminary structuring eliminates the need for complex real-time processing decisions during timestamp distribution, as the access control logic is embedded in the pre-modified record structure, thus achieving controllable accuracy distribution with manageable processing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a technique of clock managing in a packet data network implementing a time-transfer protocol. The technique comprises: modifying, by the timing-server, a timestamp record to enable a controllable access to data informative of the least significant part of clock-informative data (CLSP data), wherein modifying the timestamp record comprises modifying the least significant part of the timestamp record (RLSP) to comprise the CLSP data in an encrypted form or to comprise values substituting, in a predefined manner, the CLSP data; transferring the modified timestamp record to all timing-clients, wherein CLSP data are transferred in a controllable access manner; enabling access to the CLSP data merely to authorized timing-clients among the plurality of timing-clients; and enabling the authorized timing-clients to obtain the CLSP data and synchronize the respective clocks using the CLSP data together with data informative of the most significant part of the clock-informative data.