Method for monitoring and managing data networks
AssigneeECI Telecom Ltd.
InventorsAndrew Sergeev, Yoav Valadarsky
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and a network node are provided, for distributing timing information in a packet-switched network. The method is characterized in that at least one network node used as a quasi slave node is located at a path extending between a master node and a slave node. The method comprising a step of calculating the timing at that network node, by passively processing packets belonging to a PTP-type packet stream being exchanged between the master node and the slave node and conveyed via that intermediate network node operating as a quasi slave.
Claims12
A method for forwarding a timing related alarm in a packet-switched network that includes a master node and a slave node operative to exchange Precision Time Protocol (PTP)-type messages to enable the slave node to obtain timing of the master node, wherein said method comprising:
- selecting an intermediate network node located at a path extending between the master and slave nodes to serve as a quasi-slave node;
- ensuring that the intermediate network node is configured to passively process the PTP-type messages, wherein passively processing the PTP-type messages includes generating a plurality of local timestamps that includes at least a first timestamp of a first PTP-type message received from the master node and at least a second timestamp of a second PTP-type message received from the slave node, the plurality of local timestamps are used for internal processing at the intermediate network node;
- at the intermediate network node, passively processing a plurality of PTP-type message exchanged between the master node and a slave node;
- at the intermediate network node, calculating a value derived from at least the first timestamp and the second timestamp;
- at the intermediate network node, determining that the value does not meet at least one predetermined criterion;
- and
- when said value does not meet the at least one predetermined criterion, forwarding a timing related alarm to a network managing entity.
A network node configured to be located at a path extending between a master node and a slave node and configured to operate in a packet-switched network as a quasi-slave node, wherein the network node comprising:
- a memory configured to store a computer program for performing a set of instructions;
- and
- at least one processor configured to:
- enable the slave node to exchange time stamped messages with the master node to obtain the timing of the master node;
- passively process a plurality of Precision Time Protocol (PTP)-type messages exchanged between the master node and the slave node, wherein passively processing the PTP-type messages includes generating a plurality of local timestamps that includes at least a first timestamp of a first PTP-type message received from the master node and at least a second timestamp of a second PTP-type message received from the slave node, the plurality of local timestamps are used for internal processing at the intermediate network node;
- calculate a value derived from at least the first timestamp and the second timestamp;
- determine when the value does not meet at least one predetermined criterion;
- and
- when said value does not meet the at least one predetermined criterion, forward to a network managing entity a timing related alarm.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.