ReversePTP: A clock synchronization scheme for software-defined networks

Tal Mizrahi, Yoram Moses

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We introduce REVERSEPTP, a clock synchronization scheme for software-defined networks (SDNs). REVERSEPTP is based on the Precision Time Protocol (PTP), but is conceptually reversed; in REVERSEPTP, all nodes (switches) in the network distribute timing information to a single software-based central node (the SDN controller), which tracks the state of all the clocks in the network. Hence, all computations and bookkeeping are performed by the central node, whereas the ‘dumb’ switches are only required to periodically send it their current time. In accordance with the SDN paradigm, the ‘brain’ is implemented in software, making REVERSEPTP flexible and programmable from an SDN programmer's perspective. We present the REVERSEPTP architecture and discuss how it can be used in typical SDN architectures. Our experimental evaluation of a network with 34 REVERSEPTP-enabled nodes demonstrates the effectiveness and scalability of using REVERSEPTP.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)355-372
Number of pages18
JournalInternational Journal of Network Management
Volume26
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Sep 2016

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Science Applications
  • Computer Networks and Communications

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