Verifying the performance of transparent clocks in PTP systems

This paper presents test results from several IEEE1588 Transparent Clocks (TC) under realistic network conditions. Imperfections are documented that may impact the end-to-end synchronization performance between Master Clocks (MC) and Slave Clocks (SC). To help service providers select and configure these devices to meet their synchronization performance needs, a new test methodology for characterizing TC performance under real-world conditions is presented. The ldquoCorrection Factor Errorrdquo test method is introduced which could serve as the basis for future IEEE1588 test standards for these devices.