Patent ID: 8599881
Filing Date: 2013-12-03
Classification: H04J,H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for redundant synchronizing to a reference clock for data communications, the method comprising: determining whether a first data stream and a second data stream are available, wherein the first data stream and the second data stream are received through opposing directions of a communications ring; receiving a first data packet at a remote node in response to the first data stream being available, a timing characteristic of the first data packet corresponding to a tick of the reference clock; receiving a second data packet at the remote node in response to the second data stream being available, the timing characteristic of the second data packet corresponding to a tick of the reference clock; extracting the tick of the reference clock utilizing a timing characteristic of the first data packet or the second data packet in response to the first data stream or the second data stream being available; disciplining a secondary clock with the reference clock by adjusting the secondary clock based on a difference between times measured by the reference clock and the secondary clock to generate a clock signal; and communicating the clock signal to one or more interfaces for distribution.