Simulations and Measurements of Packet Network Synchronization by Precision Time Protocol

Today, local data networks, many last-mile access networks and even some backbone networks are based on packet transmission protocols, especially the Ethernet. Generally, there are several protocols and standards, which could be used for the purpose of clock distribution (synchronization) over packet networks. One of the most accurate protocols is Precision Clock Synchronization Protocol (PTP, IEEE 1588), which will be described in paper. However, the packet data networks usually suffer specific disadvantages. The dependence on the network elements load and packet delay dispersion has a major impact on the synchronization accuracy. The first part of this paper is focused on several measurements for real wireless network components and topologies. The following part presents the simulations and modeling of PTP protocol functionality based on the typical parameters and transmission characteristics of packet networks.