Patent ID: 7787486
Filing Date: 2010-08-31
Classification: H04J,H04L

Abstract:
1. A method of increasing the precision of time synchronization among a plurality of host nodes in a packet-switched communication network by reducing transmission delay variation in the communication network, each host node having a clock, the method comprising the following steps carried out at each respective host node of the plurality of host nodes: synchronizing the clock at the respective host node with the clock at each other host node of the plurality of host nodes; providing to the respective host node a distinct set of transmission times for transmitting messages on the communication network, wherein the distinct set of transmission times comprises at least one time selected from a global schedule of transmission times, the selection being made in such a manner as to avoid concurrent transmission of messages by the plurality of host nodes; executing at the respective host node a time-synchronization program operable to adjust the clock at the respective host node, to generate a time-synchronization message, and to cause the respective host node to transmit the time-synchronization message via the communication network to at least one other host node of the plurality of host nodes according to a transmission time selected from the distinct set of transmission times provided to the respective host node; and receiving at the respective host node at least one other time-synchronization message transmitted from at least one other host node of the plurality of host nodes, and in turn delivering the received at least one other time-synchronization message to the time-synchronization program executing at the respective host node.