Timebeat Enterprise Peer-to-Peer PTP network solution

Timebeat is proposing a project which will see the further enhancement of the PTP protocol through extending functionality with our proprietary methods, focussing on the end client synchronisation (Linux or Windows device and network card phc clocks and system clocks). Our enhanced system we will be able to dramatically heighten synchronisation over distance and improve end client sync reliability, traceability and resilience when obtaining UTC over commodity WAN links.

We call our proprietary method Peer-to-Peer PTP. Our solution is based on understanding clock frequencies of different devices and accounting for them so that every device has the same view of 1 second, this not only increases end point accuracy but also provides that vital level of validity and traceability which is currently lost with traditional software only PTP deployments over WAN. At the end of this project, a cost-effective solution for distributing highly accurate PTP synchronisation over WAN networks will become available, and viable to many more applications currently struggling in this area. To name a few we believe this will greatly benefit; 5G, IoT, smart cities/grids, Industry 4.0, Finance and more.

We will develop a Peer-to-Peer element into the current traditional PTP stack in the Timebeat Enterprise software. The end clients which are synchronised to the source of UTC will interact with each other in what we call a pod, where they will understand each other's synchronisation to the same source, this will create visibility of synchronisation but also on the individual devices view of how long 1 second is.

Through understanding each device view of 1 second and comparing back against other devices within the pod over time a consensus will be able to be made, enhancing synchronisation.

Through understanding the clock tick rate and comparing to others, you can then enable the pod to synchronise against its members enhancing accuracy further, and providing that vital validation of UTC in software alone.

This feasibility study will provide a MVP (minimum viable product) which will be tested within a local environment. Subsequent phases will be to further develop and fine tune the solution for commercialisation and release into production environments, and time critical infrastructure, as well as progress testing across larger WAN distances potentially even transcontinental.