Clock synchronization in powerline networks

Abstract

Although most aspects of clock synchronization are well investigated, most studies focus on high-speed, highly reliable and topologically stable networks. For the synchronization of a distributed system networked using powerline, however, essential modifications are needed in order to cope with the peculiar behaviour of power line as a communication medium. One of these special properties is the non-stable network topology caused by load balancing of the energy suppliers; another is the non-symmetric communication delay, as opposed to the common symmetry assumption in most state-of-the-art synchronization protocols. Finally, it is well understood that high-accuracy clock synchronization needs a very tight coupling of the protocol to the physical layer. This paper investigates a concept for synchronization in a powerline network and describes an approach which is taking advantage of a special clock synchronization hardware working closely together with a powerline physical layer.