Optimizing Large Media Networks for Highly Accurate Time Transfer via PTP

In all-Internet protocol studio environments, synchronization is provided via the precision time protocol (PTP), replacing legacy technologies like synchronization generator locking. PTP profiles such as SMPTE 2059-2:2015 or Audio Engineering Society 67 deliver optimal performance when operated in fully PTP-aware networks. To avoid costly reinvestment, existing state-of-the-art network infrastructure should be retained whenever possible, adding PTP-aware devices only at critical locations in the network. For a set of topologies typically found in large media networks, synchronization quality is measured with respect to both accuracy and lock time. The presented measurements are performed in the presence of a varying amount of media traffic. Subsequently, the networks are enhanced by exchanging single components with PTP-aware devices at distinct locations carrying out the identical measurements. Configurations with PTP-aware components located at the edge of the network are compared with topologies in which PTP-aware components reside in the core, providing guidelines for optimizing existing networks for PTP.