Synchronous data transfer system for time-sensitive data in packet-switched networks
First Claim
1. A data transmission link for transmitting time-sensitive data, comprising:
- a first node connected to a plurality of end nodes by a broadband packet-switched network, wherein each end node is connected to at least one end terminal, each of said end nodes including;
timing generation circuitry adapted to generate an output timing signal that is phase locked to a received reference timing signal originating at said first node;
means for receiving data structure information from said first node and identifying a data structure format from said information for transmitting time-sensitive data between said end nodes and said end terminals;
a delay signal generator for generating a delay signal in response to delay information received from said first node; and
,data conversion means communicating with said delay signal generating means, said data structure receiving means and said timing generation circuitry, said data conversion means adapted to receive payload data from said first node and retransmit payload data identified as time-sensitive data in a synchronous manner to said end terminal, wherein the timing of said payload data transmission is adjusted in each end node on the basis of said received timing signal, said received data structure format and said received delay signal, such that all end nodes transmit said payload data substantially simultaneously.
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Abstract
A transmission arrangement and method permits time-sensitive data to be transmitted through a packet-switched network and arrive synchronously at separate end points without synchronising all payload carrying nodes in the network. This is achieved by propagating a timing reference through the network from the sending node to the end nodes, each end node adjusting that phase of its local frequency generator to this timing reference. The sending node then sends data structure information to the end nodes, enabling the end nodes to regenerate the timing and structure of the synchronous data stream. Finally delay information is sent to each end node that allows the end nodes to adjust the start of synchronous data transmission by an amount such that all will commence transmission substantially simultaneously. With this information the end nodes independently recreate a signal in synchronisation. This solution has the advantage that the network infrastructure can remain substantially unchanged, although the timing sensitive application can treat the network as if it were a synchronised network.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A data transmission link for transmitting time-sensitive data, comprising:
a first node connected to a plurality of end nodes by a broadband packet-switched network, wherein each end node is connected to at least one end terminal, each of said end nodes including; timing generation circuitry adapted to generate an output timing signal that is phase locked to a received reference timing signal originating at said first node; means for receiving data structure information from said first node and identifying a data structure format from said information for transmitting time-sensitive data between said end nodes and said end terminals; a delay signal generator for generating a delay signal in response to delay information received from said first node; and
,data conversion means communicating with said delay signal generating means, said data structure receiving means and said timing generation circuitry, said data conversion means adapted to receive payload data from said first node and retransmit payload data identified as time-sensitive data in a synchronous manner to said end terminal, wherein the timing of said payload data transmission is adjusted in each end node on the basis of said received timing signal, said received data structure format and said received delay signal, such that all end nodes transmit said payload data substantially simultaneously. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for transmitting time-sensitive data through a packet-switched network between a first node and a plurality of end nodes, wherein each end node is connected to at least one end terminal, said method comprising the steps of:
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propagating a timing signal through said network from said first node to each said end nodes; transmitting a signal indicative of a data structure type from the first node to each end node, said data structure type identifying a data format for transmission from said end node to said end terminals; transmitting a delay figure from said first node to each end node, said delay figure being indicative of a maximum transmission delay between said first node and any one of said end nodes; and transmitting payload data between said first node and said end terminals, whereby the payload data transmitted between each end node and the corresponding end terminal is formatted in said identified data structure format in accordance with said timing signal and adjusted in dependence on said delay figure such that payload data transmission from each end node to each end terminal occurs substantially synchronously. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A node for use in a broadband packet-switched network adapted to receive packet switched-data in a first format from a sending node in said network and transmit synchronous data to an end terminal located outside said network in a second format, said node comprising:
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timing generation circuitry adapted to generate an output signal timing signal that is phase locked to a received reference timing signal; means for receiving data structure information indicative of the data structure and repetition rate of said second format; a delay signal generator for generating a delay signal in response to delay information received from said first node; and
,data conversion means communicating with said delay signal generating means, said data structure receiving means and said timing generation circuitry, said data conversion means being adapted to receive payload data in said first data format and retransmit payload data identified as time-sensitive data in said second format, wherein the timing of said payload data transmission is adjusted on the basis of said received timing signal, said received data structure format and said received delay signal. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification