A simulation framework for IEEE 1588

Abstract

IEEE 1588 specifies the Precision Time Protocol (PTP). The design space for PTP implementations is large, and system designers have to make trade-offs. A sophisticated and extensible simulation tool can assist PTP system designers when exploring the design space. This paper serves as an introduction to LibPTP, which is an OMNeT++-based simulation framework for PTP networks. LibPTP facilitates building PTP networks using Ordinary, Boundary, and Transparent clocks. For instance, it enables designers to study different configuration options, to compare delay mechanisms, or switch between clock servos. The paper gives an overview of the current feature set of LibPTP, and demonstrates LibPTP's capabilities through exemplary experiments. The demonstrations encompass analyzing the choice of synchronization intervals, the impact of path asymmetry, and daisy chaining of clocks.