Characterizing network synchronization potential with the minTDEV statistic

Abstract

A growing number of applications today are based on the transfer of time and/or frequency over packet networks. This has created a requirement for new methods to support the modeling, testing and implementation of packet based time services. This paper describes a new metric called minTDEV. An overview of the Allan variance family and how this metric fits in is provided. A conceptual and formal definition of the metric is provided. Results of a test of the suitability of minTDEV to check compliance of a reference clock model are presented.