Synchronization monitoring in IEEE1588 synchronization networks

The IEEE1588-2008 (precision time protocol, PTP) is being deployed in various application domains including domains requiring specified synchronization performance. Deploying appropriately defined monitoring functions will support the continuous operation of synchronization networks at the required synchronization quality. The paper addresses the field of synchronization monitoring, first introducing the relevant background. It shortly reviews synchronization quality performance criteria and possible measurement metrics. This is followed by a review and analysis of synchronization performance factors and possible failure points. Synchronization monitoring functions addressing the various factors are defined and shortly described. The paper elaborates in more detail on the packet delay variation monitoring and node performance monitoring functions. Finally, a possible extension to the PTP standard increasing and simplifying support for slave performance monitoring and testing is described.