Selecting a Best Available Precision Time Protocol (PTP) Backup when a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Clock Source is Unavailable

A method comprising steps of:

• obtaining multiple data sets representing multiple backup clocks in a communications network;
• and
• analyzing offset characteristics of the multiple backup clocks in order to select a substitute clock source from the multiple backup clocks to operate as a temporary substitute when a primary source of synchronization for the communications network is unavailable;
• wherein, for each backup clock, the offset characteristics are related to a synchronization offset of an associated backup clock with respect to the primary source.

A Telecom-Boundary Clock-Assisted (T-BC-A) device operating in a communications network, the T-BC-A device comprising:

• a processing device;
• and
• memory configured to store computer logic having instructions that, when executed, enable the processing device to
• obtain multiple data sets representing multiple backup clocks, and
• analyze offset characteristics of the multiple backup clocks in order to select a substitute clock source from the multiple backup clocks to operate as a temporary substitute when a primary source of synchronization for the communications network is unavailable;
• wherein, for each backup clock, the offset characteristics are related to a synchronization offset of an associated backup clock with respect to the primary source.