IEEE 1588 Frequency and Time Transfer Measurements and Analysis: Clock, PDV, and Load

Lee Cosart

Abstract:	The IEEE 1588 protocol provides a means of transporting both frequency and time. In order to gain insight into the network conditions under which frequency and time transfer algorithms must perform and to assess the performance of 1588 devices, three types of measurements have proven to be useful: (1) measuring the clock signal at the output, (2) making network timing measurements on the packets, and (3) dynamic characterization of the load. This paper describes these three measurements and explores their relationship. This paper starts with a description of IEEE 1588 packet measurement equipment, and then turns to a discussion of the one-way and two-way metrics connected with packet frequency and time transfer. Laboratory and field measurement results will be used to illustrate the described measurement and analysis techniques. The paper then will establish links between packet timing measurements and traditional clock measurements made at the output of 1588 client/slave devices. Finally, techniques of measuring dynamic network load with a new prototype hardware device will be introduced, along with a discussion of the links between load and packet delay variation.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 42nd Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting November 15 - 18, 2010 Hyatt Regency Reston Town Center Reston, Virginia
Pages:	89 - 110
Cite this article:	Cosart, Lee, "IEEE 1588 Frequency and Time Transfer Measurements and Analysis: Clock, PDV, and Load," Proceedings of the 42nd Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting, Reston, Virginia, November 2010, pp. 89-110.
Full Paper:	ION Members/Non-Members: 1 Download Credit Sign In