Edge Device Clock and Clocking Method

Abstract

An edge device including software implemented in non-transitory computer-readable mediums connectable to a communication network having at least one timing element that produces a period signal that is countable, and at least one counter that counts the period signal. The at least one counter provides a first indication of time based upon the counts of the period signal and upon a triggering event, the at least one counter provides a second indication of time based upon the counts of the periodic signal wherein the second indication of time differs from first indication of time. A signal transmitted by the edge device may use time hopping with the time hopping defined in a predetermined manner or a random manner. The second indication of time may have a protocol defined in a predetermined manner or a random manner. This extra complexity enhances the security of edge devices in a network.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.