Virtual Clock Simulation for Rapid PTP Synchronization Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating network message synchronization require significant manpower, material, and time, and cannot provide quick evaluation results, especially when GNSS apparatuses fail, leading to potential service disruptions in communication networks.
Innovation Solution
A method for simulating a network device's clock by adjusting a virtual clock based on delay and frequency information with a master device, allowing for pre-determination of PTP message synchronization performance and guiding network maintenance activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If simulation analysis or test meter import methods are used to evaluate synchronization performance, then measurement precision can be achieved, but device complexity and operation complexity increase significantly requiring professional technicians and special equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual clock that copies the essential timing characteristics of the physical clock without requiring physical test equipment. The virtual clock is adjusted using delay information to replicate synchronization behavior, enabling evaluation through software simulation rather than complex hardware testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own internal virtual clock and delay information to perform self-evaluation of synchronization performance. Instead of requiring external test meters and professional technicians, the network device evaluates its own PTP message synchronization performance using readily available internal data.
2Measurement precision
If professional technicians and test meters are deployed for synchronization evaluation, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time increases due to manual operation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs synchronization evaluation using its own virtual clock and delay information, eliminating the need for manual technician intervention. The evaluation process runs autonomously, significantly reducing the time required compared to manual test meter operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual clock is pre-adjusted using collected delay information before actual synchronization evaluation is needed. This preliminary preparation enables rapid on-demand evaluation without requiring time-consuming manual setup or calibration procedures.
3Measurement 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:
By using a virtual clock that replicates physical clock behavior, the system enables automated evaluation that maintains measurement precision while dramatically improving productivity. The virtual clock can be adjusted and evaluated programmatically without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated self-evaluation system eliminates dependency on professional technicians, allowing continuous monitoring and evaluation of PTP message synchronization performance. This significantly increases productivity by enabling frequent evaluations without additional manpower costs.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides a clock determining method and a related apparatus. The 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. In the foregoing technical solution, a clock of the second network device can be simulated, to perform a subsequent operation by using the simulated clock. For example, the simulated clock may be used to estimate 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 GNSS fails, to guide network operation and maintenance activities.