Method for initializing a self-synchronizing cnPRTC mesh

A coherent network Primary Reference Time Clock (cnPRTC) node of a self-synchronizing cnPRTC mesh, wherein the self-synchronizing cnPRTC mesh is configured to be initialized during a start-up period, wherein the cnPRTC node comprises:

• an interface configured to receive a Universal Time Coordinated (UTC(k)) time from a UTC(k) node connected to the cnPRTC node during the start-up period based on a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) system failing to provide the cnPRTC node with a GNSS time during the start-up period;
• and
• a clock combiner configured for direct insertion of the UTC(k) time to replace weighted times provided by local time sources and remote time sources;
• wherein the direct insertion of the UTC(k) time sets the cnPRTC node to the UTC(k) time provided by the UTC(k) node.

A system for initializing a self-synchronizing coherent network Primary Reference Time Clock (cnPRTC) mesh, comprising:

• a cnPRTC node;
• and
• a Universal Time Coordinated (UTC(k)) node connected to the cnPRTC node;
• wherein the system is configured to initialize the self-synchronizing cnPRTC mesh during a start-up period;
• wherein the UTC(k) node is configured to set the cnPRTC node to a UTC(k) time provided by the UTC(k) node during the start-up period based on a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) system failing to provide the cnPRTC node with a GNSS time during the start-up period;
• and
• wherein setting the cnPRTC node to the UTC(k) time comprises directly inserting the UTC(k) time into a clock combiner of the cnPRTC node such that the inserted UTC(k) time replaces weighted times provided to the cnPRTC node by local time sources and remote time sources.