Methods and apparatus for network time synchronization

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for synchronizing the clocks of network elements are described. Network elements which normally run NTP have their clocks updated using NTP. Clocks of the NTP network elements use a common clock source, e.g., a clock signal obtained from a GPS satellite, to insure proper synchronization. Non-NTP network elements, i.e., network elements that are not capable of running NTP or those where NTP is not run, are updated by a host controller, e.g., a UNIX server, using TELNET. The host controller uses NTP to obtain clock timing information from the same source, e.g., GPS satellite signal, as the other NTP capable network elements. The host controller then updates the clocks of non-NTP capable network elements using TELNET. Thus, both NTP and non-NTP capable network elements are synchronized in an automated manner. Non-NTP network element time information obtained using TELNET is examined to detect clock faults.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.