Characterizing Quality of Time and Topology in a Time Synchronization Network

— As Internet computing gains speed, complexity and becomes ubiquitous, the need for precise and accurate time synchronization increases. In this paper, we present a characterization of a clock synchronization network managed by Network Time Protocol (NTP), composed by thousands of nodes, including hundreds of Stratum 1 servers, based on data collected recently by a robot. NTP is the most common protocol for time synchronization in the Internet. Many aspects that define the quality of timekeeping are analyzed, as well as topological characteristics of the network. The results are compared to previous characterizations of the NTP network, showing the evolution of computer clock synchronization in the last fifteen years.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2006
• Where: GLOBECOM
• Authors: Cristina D. Murta, Pedro R. Torres Jr., Prasant Mohapatra
• Keywords: Clock Synchronization, GLOBECOM 2006, Synchronization, Telecommunications , Time Synchronization