A novel precise and accurate clock synchronization algorithm

Abstract

Execution of a task in a synchronized manner in a distributed setting, one needs the common idea of time. To accomplish this task, clock synchronization is conceptualized. Clock drifting is an intrinsic property of a clock, which necessitates the synchronization and resynchronization. A network consists of nodes, which may behave appropriately or behave badly. The mischievous node may pose difficulty in clock synchronization. We require a method to overcome the effect of mischievous nodes. Synchronization can be achieved in two ways namely accuracy and precision. In this paper, we present an accurate weighted average clock synchronization algorithm to execute a coordinated activity in a fault-tolerant manner. We use trusted clock value from GPS/GLONASS/IRNSS as a reference clock to achieve better accuracy. We also use behavior of the node to compute normalized weight in a localized manner, which lies between unit intervals. This weight assignment enables us to contain the effect of misbehavior up to some extent. This algorithm offers better accuracy and precision while tolerating mischievous nodes. The upper bound of tolerance boundary is one-third of the network size.