Patent ID: 8923346

Claim:
A time synchronization method comprising: sending a following message to an opposite end after sending a synchronization message to the opposite end, wherein an initial time for sending the synchronization message is recorded in the synchronization message sent to the opposite end and an ending time for sending the synchronization message is recorded in the following message; receiving a delay request message sent by the opposite end, wherein an initial time for sending the delay request message is recorded in the delay request message received from the opposite end, and sending a delay response message according to the delay request message, wherein an initial time for receiving the delay request message is recorded in the delay response message; and enabling the opposite end to calculate a time offset value between opposite ends according to the ending time for sending the synchronization message, the initial time for receiving the delay request message, and an initial time for receiving the synchronization message, and an ending time for sending the delay request message as recorded by the opposite end, thereby enabling completion of time synchronization according to the time offset value.