Experimental Validation of a Synchronization Uncertainty-Aware Software Clock

A software clock capable of self-evaluating its synchronization uncertainty is experimentally validated for a specific implementation on a node synchronized through NTP. The validation methodology takes advantage of an external node equipped with a GPS-synchronized clock acting as a reference, which is connected to the node hosting the system under test through a fast Ethernet connection. Experiments are carried out for different values of the software clock parameters and different types of workload, and address the possible occurrence of faults in the system under test and in the NTP synchronization mechanism. The validation methodology is designed to be as less intrusive as possible and to grant a resolution of the order of few hundreds of microseconds. The experimental results show very good performance of R&SAClock, and their analysis gives precious hints for further improvements.