Virtual Clock Simulation for PTP Synchronization Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating synchronization performance in communication networks require significant manpower, material, and time, and cannot provide quick evaluation results, especially when GNSS apparatuses fail, leading to potential service disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that simulate a network device's clock by adjusting a virtual clock based on delay and frequency information, allowing for pre-determination of PTP message synchronization performance, thereby guiding network maintenance activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If simulation analysis or test meter methods are used to evaluate synchronization performance, then measurement precision can be achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual clock that copies and simulates the behavior of the physical clock in the network device. By using software-based virtual clock simulation instead of physical test meters, the system achieves synchronization performance evaluation while reducing hardware complexity and costs. The virtual clock replicates clock characteristics and synchronization behavior without requiring expensive specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical test meters and manual evaluation methods with a software-based virtual clock system. This substitution eliminates the need for specialized hardware devices and manual operations, achieving automated synchronization performance evaluation through computational simulation rather than physical measurement instruments.
2Measurement precision
If manual evaluation methods are used, then measurement precision can be maintained, but productivity decreases due to high manpower and time costs
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual clock system performs self-evaluation of synchronization performance by automatically comparing its simulated clock behavior against expected synchronization standards. The system autonomously collects delay information, adjusts the virtual clock, and evaluates performance without requiring manual intervention from technicians, thereby maintaining measurement precision while dramatically improving evaluation speed and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary synchronization performance evaluation by simulating clock behavior and adjusting the virtual clock before actual GNSS failure scenarios occur. This preliminary simulation allows the system to assess synchronization performance and identify potential issues in advance, enabling faster evaluation without waiting for actual failure events or requiring time-consuming manual testing procedures.
3Productivity
If virtual clock simulation is implemented, then productivity improves by enabling automated evaluation, but device complexity increases due to software implementation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual clock system is designed to perform multiple functions: it simulates clock behavior, collects delay information, adjusts synchronization parameters, and evaluates performance metrics all within a single software platform. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate tools and manual processes into one integrated system, improving productivity while managing software complexity through consolidation rather than proliferation of components.
Data Source
AI summary
A clock determining method includes: when both a second network device and a first network device are synchronous with a reference clock, simulating, by using delay information between the second network device and the first network device and clock frequency information of the second network device, a second virtual clock synchronized with a first virtual clock, where the first virtual clock is used to simulate a clock of the first network device. A clock of the second network device can thus be simulated to perform a subsequent operation by using the simulated clock. For example, the simulated clock may be used to estimate precision time protocol (PTP) message synchronization performance of the second network device. Therefore, the PTP message synchronization performance of the second network device may be pre-determined before a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) fails, to guide network operation and maintenance activities.