Network Models and Time Synchronization

This topic gives a high-level description of the network models supported by Edge Precision Time (EPT) and how client devices consume time distributed by EPT. Use these models to determine the best EPT service tier for your needs. Note that the EPT distribution network model does not vary between models. Instead, only the network consumption model varies between scenarios.

The following consumption models are available:

  • Direct Consumption – This model is an ideal choice if you have a small number of devices to be synchronized.

  • Cascaded Consumption – This model is an ideal choice if you have thousands of devices to be synchronized to a single reference time. This model is can be applicable whether you have a private internal network or multiple private networks where end devices are connected.

Direct Consumption

With direct consumption, you can consume either PTP or NTP:

  • Direct consumption offers high accuracy to all end devices.
  • Direct consumption has an inherent upper limit to the number of devices you can connect to EPT on a single service. The upper limit is determined by the service tier you employ. For details on service tiers, see Ordering Edge Precision Time.

PTP Direct Consumption

In this model, you directly receive PTP from Edge Precision Time on all the end devices.

NTP Direct Consumption

In this model, you directly receive NTP on all the end devices.

Cascaded Consumption

You can connect one or two devices directly to the service, after which you can synchronize devices in your internal or private network to those connected devices.

  • There is no upper limit to the number of devices you can synchronize on a single service.
  • This model lets you add hops, which can increase accuracy.

PTP to PTP Cascaded Consumption

In this consumption model, the you receive PTP from Edge Precision Time, then distribute PTP.

PTP to NTP Cascaded Consumption

In this consumption model, the you receive PTP from Edge Precision Time, then distribute NTP.

NTP to NTP Cascaded Consumption

In this consumption model, the you receive NTP from Edge Precision Time, then distribute NTP.