Virtual Network Time Synchronization Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current time synchronization systems in heterogeneous distributed computer networks face challenges in accurately estimating timestamp offsets due to factors like temperature changes and resonator aging, leading to increased clock errors over time, especially in complex network configurations with varying network loads and device characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A simulation system that allows for the customization and testing of time synchronization systems using real and synthetically generated timestamp data, enabling the simulation of clock offset computation and synchronization operations in virtual networks, thereby allowing for the evaluation of different offset generation algorithms and network configurations before actual deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If real-world testing is conducted to evaluate time synchronization systems, then system reliability is improved, but testing costs and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the time synchronization system that replicates real-world behavior. The simulation system includes virtual master devices, virtual leaf devices, and virtual network components that mirror the actual system architecture. This copying approach allows comprehensive testing of synchronization algorithms and network configurations without requiring physical deployment, thereby reducing testing time while maintaining reliability assessment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation system enables preliminary testing and validation of time synchronization algorithms before actual deployment. By pre-evaluating different offset generation algorithms, network topologies, and device configurations in the virtual environment, the system identifies optimal settings and potential issues beforehand, reducing the need for iterative real-world testing and accelerating system deployment.
2Measurement precision
If complex network configurations are tested in real environments, then measurement precision is improved, but system complexity and testing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation system creates virtual replicas of complex network configurations, including multiple master devices, leaf devices, and network intermediaries. These virtual components accurately replicate the timing behavior and network characteristics of real devices, enabling precise measurement of timestamp offsets and synchronization performance without the complexity of physical deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the testing environment from physical space to virtual/digital space, adding a new dimension for system evaluation. This dimensional shift allows complex network topologies to be instantiated and manipulated software-defined, enabling precise control over network parameters, device configurations, and traffic patterns while simplifying setup and modification compared to physical systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple offset generation algorithms are tested simultaneously, then adaptability is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The simulation system is designed as a universal platform that can evaluate multiple offset generation algorithms across different network configurations and scenarios. The system includes configurable virtual devices, adjustable network parameters, and flexible algorithm implementation interfaces that allow simultaneous testing of various synchronization approaches (e.g., PTP, NTP, proprietary algorithms) without requiring separate testing infrastructure for each algorithm.
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation system segments the evaluation process into independent modular components: virtual device instances, algorithm execution engines, performance measurement modules, and result analysis tools. This segmentation allows multiple algorithms to be tested in parallel through separate virtual instances while maintaining centralized control and coordinated measurement, reducing the computational overhead compared to monolithic testing approaches.
Data Source
AI summary
An example method includes creating, by a computing system and in response to user input, one or more virtual master devices and a plurality of virtual leaf devices in a virtual network system; selecting, by the computing system, data from one or more of real-time clock offset data, prerecorded clock offset data, or synthetically generated clock offset data; executing, by the computing system, a time synchronization simulation by applying a predefined clock offset generation algorithm to the selected data; and outputting, by the computing system, data indicative of results of the time synchronization simulation.