Anetta Nagy

Bio: Anetta Nagy is an academic researcher from Austrian Academy of Sciences. The author has contributed to research in topics: Synchronization & Wireless network. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 11 publications receiving 146 citations.

Limits of synchronization accuracy using hardware support in IEEE 1588

Abstract: Clock synchronization protocols for packet-oriented networks, like IEEE 1588, depend on time stamps drawn from a local clock at distinct points in time. Due to the fact that software-generated time stamps suffer from jitter caused by non-deterministic execution times, many implementations for high precision clock synchronization rely on hardware support. This allows time readings for packets with very low jitter close to the physical layer. Nevertheless, approaches using hardware support have to carefully consider influences on synchronization accuracy when it comes to the range of nanoseconds. Among others, limits come from the update interval, oscillator stability, or hardware clock frequency. This paper enlightens the limits for such implementations based on an analysis of the influences of the main factors for jitter. The conclusions give hints for efficiently optimizing current implementations.

Time-based localisation in unsynchronized wireless LAN for industrial automation systems

Abstract: In the recent years, the term wireless factory automation began raising interest. Its probably most appreciated feature, mobility, is yet acknowledged as the key for new applications. Nevertheless, this apparent freedom comes with a palette of requirements, whereof one is localisation. Although locating systems have been an extensive research topic for years, industrial systems impose additional constraints, both in terms of accuracy and scalability. Typically, for state-of-the-art time-based locating systems one assumes that the network infrastructure is perfectly synchronized. However, in large-scale cellular wireless industrial networks this is not achievable without redesigning the complete infrastructure. This paper proposes a differential time difference of arrival based localisation system using IEEE802.11, which eliminates the need for clock synchronization.

Achieving a Realistic Notion of Time in Discrete Event Simulation

Abstract: Distributed sensor systems require clock synchronization between all sensor nodes to provide consistent view of the overall system. Owing the growing size of networks, the evaluation of the synchronization performance becomes difficult, if done by means of experiments. Simulation is another method to tackle this issue. Realistic simulation of synchronization schemes requires accurate modelling of oscillators which are the driving timers generating various events. One way to characterise oscillators is to utilize the Allan variance, which can be used to generate a phenomenological model based on power spectral density. Since discrete event simulation (DES) tools are widely used to model network protocols, models which combine accuracy and performance are needed. This paper presents a model that was optimised for use in DES. To verify that the simulation results sufficiently match measurements, an implementation in OMNeT

A novel, wireless sensor/actuator network for the factory floor

Abstract: One of the most promising technologies for tomorrow's sensor networks are wireless approaches. Mesh networks using ad-hoc concepts are very popular, but have the drawback that real-time constraints cannot easily be fulfilled, because data transmission times are not fully deterministic. On the other hand, infrastructure networks based on central access points are limited in their range. For time-critical applications in automation environments, novel wireless sensor/actuator network approaches are desired which are able to support real-time data transmission without being restricted to single access point domains. This paper presents such an approach, addressing particular problems like clock synchronization and localization for support of seamless handover and real-time guarantees at the example of WLAN technology.

Location-based handover in cellular IEEE 802.11 networks for Factory Automation

Abstract: The use of wireless technologies in Factory Automation is attractive due to several advantages (mobility, cost, etc.); however, to satisfy the requirements of industrial applications, they have to be improved in terms of real-time performance. Handover is a particular weakness in cellular wireless systems, e. g., in IEEE 802.11, since it may introduce delay beyond acceptable bounds. The project “flexWARE - Flexible Wireless Automation in Real-Time Environments” aims at implementing such an infrastructure based on IEEE 802.11. To enhance overall system performance, it offers a localisation service. In this paper we present the flexWARE handover mechanism which exploits localisation to reduce the discovery phase. A performance evaluation, based on simulation and empirical measurements, shows that the mechanism results in a seamless handover for a class of industrial applications.

White rabbit: Sub-nanosecond timing distribution over ethernet

Abstract: White Rabbit (WR) is the project name for a ambiguous project that uses Ethernet as both, deterministic (synchronous) data transfer and timing network. The presented design aims for a general purpose, fieldbus like transmission system, which provides deterministic data and timing to approximately 1000 timing stations. The main advantage over conventional systems is the highly accurate timing (sub-nanosecond range) without restrictions on the traffic schedule and an upper bound for the delivery time of high priority messages. In addition, WR also automatically compensates for transmission delays in the fibre links, which are in the range of 10 km length. It takes advantage of the latest developments on synchronous Ethernet and IEEE 1588 to enable the distribution of accurate timing information to the nodes saving noticeable amounts of bandwidth.

Performance Analysis of Kalman-Filter-Based Clock Synchronization in IEEE 1588 Networks

Abstract: Performances in network-based synchronization depend on several related factors, including the instability of local clocks, the rate at which timing information is exchanged, and the accuracy of the resulting correction estimates. This paper analyzes these effects and their relationships, showing how these may affect the design of an IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol synchronization scheme. This paper introduces a state-variable clock model for which realistic parameters can be obtained for different kinds of clocks from experimental measurements of Allan variance plots. A Kalman-filter-based clock servo employing this model is developed, and a simulation analysis of the behavior of clock regulation and the effect of parameter variations on its performances is presented.

A Survey of Clock Synchronization Over Packet-Switched Networks

Abstract: Clock synchronization is a prerequisite for the realization of emerging applications in various domains such as industrial automation and the intelligent power grid. This paper surveys the standardized protocols and technologies for providing synchronization of devices connected by packet-switched networks. A review of synchronization impairments and the state-of-the-art mechanisms to improve the synchronization accuracy is then presented. Providing microsecond to sub-microsecond synchronization accuracy under the presence of asymmetric delays in a cost-effective manner is a challenging problem, and still an open issue in many application scenarios. Further, security is of significant importance for systems where timing is critical. The security threats and solutions to protect exchanged synchronization messages are also discussed.

Clock Synchronization Over IEEE 802.11—A Survey of Methodologies and Protocols

Abstract: Just like Ethernet before, IEEE 802.11 is now transcending the borders of its usage from the office environment toward real-time communication on the factory floor. However, similar to Ethernet, the availability of synchronized clocks to coordinate and control communication and distributed real-time services is not a built-in feature in WLAN. Over the years, this has led to the design and use of a wide variety of customized protocols with varying complexity and precision, both for wired and wireless networks, in accordance with the increasingly demanding requirements from real-time applications. This survey looks into the details of synchronization over IEEE 802.11 with a particular focus on the infrastructure mode which is most relevant for industrial use cases. It highlights the different parameters which affect the performance of clock synchronization over WLAN and compares the performance of existing synchronization methods to analyze their shortcomings. Finally, it identifies new trends and directions for future research as well as features for wireless clock synchronization which will be required by the applications in the near future.

Cooperative Synchronization in Wireless Networks

Abstract: Synchronization is a key functionality in wireless networks, enabling a wide variety of services. We consider a Bayesian inference framework whereby network nodes can achieve phase and skew synchronization in a fully distributed way. In particular, under the assumption of Gaussian measurement noise, we derive two message passing methods (belief propagation and mean field), analyze their convergence behavior, and perform a qualitative and quantitative comparison with a number of competing algorithms. We also show that both methods can be applied in networks with and without master nodes. Our performance results are complemented by, and compared with, the relevant Bayesian Cramer-Rao bounds.