Secondary reference time validation

Abstract

A node in a computer network receives signals for at least first and second reference times, selects (i) the first reference time to be a primary reference time for the node's ongoing operations and (ii) the second reference time to be a secondary reference time, calculates an offset value between the secondary reference time and the primary reference time, determines whether the secondary reference time is valid based on the calculated offset value, and, if valid, uses the secondary reference time for its ongoing operations upon loss of the primary reference time. If not valid, then the secondary reference time is not used. If multiple secondary reference times are available, the node validates and prioritizes the secondary reference times, based on corresponding calculated offset values, for use upon loss of the primary reference time.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.