Method for providing a network timing reference clock in ethernet-connected VOIP equipment

A method for synthesizing and synchronizing a timing reference signal in a network, comprising the steps of:

• a) generating a constant-frequency signal at a target device;
• b) generating data representing said constant frequency signal;
• c) receiving a network packet containing data representing a timing reference signal at said target device from a source device that receives said timing reference signal;
• d) extracting said data representing said timing reference signal from said network packet;
• e) comparing said data representing said timing reference signal with said data representing said constant frequency signal;
• and,
• f) adjusting said constant frequency signal based on said comparison of said timing reference signal and said constant frequency signal.

A method for minimizing bandwidth used in providing timing reference signals in a network, comprising the steps of:

• a) receiving a timing reference signal at a source device;
• b) transmitting data representing said received timing reference signal to a target device;
• c) synthesizing a timing signal at said target device wherein said synthesized timing signal is synchronized with said received timing reference signal;
• and,
• d) adjusting the rate of transmission of said data representing said timing reference signal by reference to a comparison of said timing reference signal and said synchronized, synthesized, timing signal.

A source device for transmitting data representing a received timing reference signal, comprising:

• an element for receiving a timing reference signal;
• an element for generating data representing said timing reference signal;
• an element for generating an asynchronous network communication packet containing said data representing said timing reference signal;
• an element for transmitting said asynchronous network communication packet;
• an element for controlling the rate of transmission of said asynchronous network communication packet;
• and,
• an element for extracting data from other asynchronous network communication packets.

A target device for receiving data representing a timing reference signal and for synchronizing a synthesized timing reference signal to said timing reference signal, comprising:

• an element for receiving an asynchronous network communication packet;
• an element for extracting said data representing said timing reference signal from said asynchronous network communication packet wherein said timing reference signal is received by a source device;
• an element for generating a constant frequency signal capable of adjustment;
• an element for generating data representing said constant frequency signal;
• an element for comparing said data representing said timing reference signal with data representing said constant frequency signal;
• and,
• an element capable of adjusting the output frequency of said constant frequency signal generating element.

An apparatus for minimizing bandwidth used in providing timing reference signals in a network, comprising:

• a source device for generating and transmitting asynchronous network communication packets containing data representing a timing reference signal:
• a target device for generating a synchronized, synthesized, constant frequency signal;
• and,
• a network for coupling said source device and said target device, wherein said timing reference signal is a National Timing Reference signal.

A computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions for performing a method for providing a timing reference signal in a network, comprising the steps of:

• a) receiving a timing signal at a source device;
• b) representing said timing signal as data capable of transmission in a network;
• c) transmitting said data representing said received timing signal in an asynchronous packet-based network from said source device;
• d) receiving a network packet containing data representing said timing signal at a target device;
• and,
• e) producing a synthesized timing reference signal, said synthesized timing reference signal being synchronized with said timing signal received at said source device by reference to said transmitted data at said target device.

A computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions for performing a method for minimizing bandwidth used in providing timing reference signals in a network, comprising the steps of:

• a) receiving a timing reference signal at a source device;
• b) transmitting data representing said received timing reference signal to a target device;
• c) synthesizing a timing signal at said target device wherein said synthesized timing signal is synchronized with said received timing reference signal;
• and,
• d) adjusting the rate of transmission of said data representing said timing reference signal by reference to a comparison of said timing reference signal and said synchronized, synthesized, timing signal.