Transit Delay Metrics for Packet Network Time Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Packet networks face challenges in achieving accurate time and frequency alignment due to transit delay variation and congestion, which disrupts conventional alignment protocols and reduces their accuracy and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for analyzing and qualifying routes in packet networks using transit delay metrics to assess the performance of timing-transfer services, identify the best path, detect rogue transparent clocks, and manage congestion, allowing for adaptive clock recovery and optimal oscillator deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional time alignment protocols (NTP, PTP) are used in packet networks, then time and frequency alignment can be achieved, but accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to transit delay variation and network congestion
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary route analysis and transit delay characterization before deploying timing protocols. By pre-identifying optimal routes and understanding delay patterns, the system prepares timing paths that are less susceptible to congestion and variation, improving both accuracy and reliability of time alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary route analysis system that sits between the timing protocol and the packet network. This intermediary characterizes transit delays and identifies optimal paths, mediating the timing information flow to avoid congested routes and reduce delay variation, thereby enhancing alignment reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If packet networks use statistical switching and multiplexing, then network flexibility and bandwidth utilization improve, but transit delay variation increases, harming time alignment performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary route analysis and transit delay characterization before deploying timing protocols. By pre-identifying optimal routes and understanding delay patterns, the system prepares timing paths that are less susceptible to congestion and variation, improving both accuracy and reliability of time alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors actual transit delays on timing routes and uses this information to adjust route selection and timing adjustments. This closed-loop feedback compensates for the statistical nature of packet switching, maintaining time alignment accuracy despite network flexibility
3Area of stationary object
If multiple nodes store and forward data packets in packet networks, then network coverage and connectivity improve, but transit delay variation between any two points increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the network path into individual hops and characterizes the transit delay at each segment. By analyzing and qualifying each segment separately, the system can identify and select routes with minimum cumulative delay variation, reducing overall transit time loss while maintaining extensive network coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary route analysis and transit delay characterization before deploying timing protocols. By pre-identifying optimal routes and understanding delay patterns, the system prepares timing paths that are less susceptible to congestion and variation, improving both accuracy and reliability of time alignment
Data Source
AI summary
Routes of a packet network are analyzed according to various transit delay metrics. Preferred packet network routes are selected between source and destination based on these metrics. In packet networks employing boundary clocks and transparent clocks, faulty boundary clocks and faulty transparent clocks are identified using the metrics.