Performance aspects of reference clock distribution for evolving digital networks

Recent reference clock distribution technologies are reviewed. Performance concepts and specification methodologies for synchronization system designs are then summarized. The focus is on the common master-slave synchronization designs, generally consisting of three subsystems: the primary clock supply, the slave clock supply, and the clock distribution system overlaid on the digital network. Network synchronization performance is specified with relative clock frequency stability and accuracy of the corresponding reference clock. An overview is also given of clock and jitter and wander specification methodologies discussed in CCITT.<>