Time correction using extension fields

A method for synchronizing time or frequency at a network device coupled to a network that includes a plurality of intermediate nodes, the method comprising:

• receiving, at the network device and from the network, a packet conforming to a protocol that i) defines a time stamp field for including a time stamp from a source node, ii) does not define a dedicated field for time correction information, and iii) defines a plurality of general purpose extension fields, the packet including (i) a time stamp generated by a source node in the time stamp field, and (ii) a time correction value corresponding to multiple ones of the plurality of intermediate nodes, the time correction value being located in one of the general purpose extension fields;
• identifying, at the network device, (i) a time specified by the time stamp, and (ii) time correction information specified in the one general purpose extension field;
• and
• using, at the network device, the time correction information and the time specified by the time stamp to synchronize a clock maintained by the network device to a clock maintained by the source node.