Precision Time Protocol

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The Precision Time Protocol (PTP) is a protocol defined in the IEEE 1588 – 2002 standard that allows precise synchronization of networks (e.g., Ethernet). Accuracy within the nanosecond range can be achieved by using hardware generated timestamps. The Institute of Embedded Systems (InES) of the University of Winterthur is addressing the practical implementation and application of PTP.

From John C. Eidson, Measurement, Control and Communication Using IEEE 1588: "[...] IEEE 1588 is designed to fill a niche not well served by either of the two dominant protocols, NTP and GPS. IEEE 1588 is designed for local systems requiring very high accuracies beyond those attainable using NTP. It is also designed for applications that cannot bear the cost of a GPS receiver at each node, or for which GPS signals are inaccessible."

[edit] See also

• Clock synchronization
• Synchronization

[edit] References

• International standard IEC 61588: Precision clock synchronization protocol for networked measurement and control systems. 2004.
• John C. Eidson, Measurement, Control and Communication Using IEEE 1588, (Springer-Verlag London Limited 2006) [1]

[edit] External links

General PTP links:

• PTP documentation at InES
• Meanings of common terms used in IEEE 1588 from NIST IEEE1588 page

Open source PTP implementation:

• PTPd is a complete implementation of the IEEE 1588 specification for a standard (non-boundary) clock`

Manufacturers of PTP-based timeservers:

• Stack for Standard NICs manufactured by Real-Time Systems GmbH
• Symmetricom XLi IEEE 1588 Grandmaster
• IEEE 1588 PTP Introduction from IXXAT
• PTP time server manufactured by Meinberg

• Special Focus: Understanding the IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol from NI Developer Zone