A scheme for synchronizing clocks connected by a packet communication network

Consider a communication system in which a transmitter equipment sends fixed-size packets of data at a uniform rate to a receiver equipment. Consider also that these equipments are connected by a packet-switched network, which introduces a random delay to each packet. Here we propose an adaptive clock recovery scheme able of synchronizing the frequencies and the phases of these devices, within specified limits of precision. This scheme for achieving frequency and phase synchronization is based on measurements of the packet arrival times at the receiver, which are used to control the dynamics of a digital phase-locked loop. The scheme performance is evaluated via numerical simulations performed by using realistic parameter values.

► Synchronization affects the quality of real-time communication in packet networks. ► A scheme for obtaining frequency and phase synchronization is proposed. ► This scheme is based on a least square method and a digital phase-locked loop. ► The scheme performance is evaluated by using realistic parameter values.