Challenges Using IEEE 1588-2008 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) for High Accuracy Time Transfer

David Wilson

Abstract:	The NRL Space Applications Branch evaluated PTP devices from several vendors to determine their suitability for high accuracy time transfer (< 1 ns) applications. The IEEE Std 1588-2008 Clause 1.1 states "the standard permits synchronization accuracies better than 1 ns." A time transfer accuracy of 1 ns has proven difficult if not impossible to achieve especially when using PTP devices from different vendors. This paper discusses the challenges of achieving 1 ns time transfer using PTP and possible solutions to these challenges.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 43rd Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting November 14 - 17, 2011 Hyatt Regency Long Beach Long Beach, California
Pages:	61 - 70
Cite this article:	Wilson, David, "Challenges Using IEEE 1588-2008 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) for High Accuracy Time Transfer," Proceedings of the 43rd Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting, Long Beach, California, November 2011, pp. 61-70.
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