PTP-Grandmaster (EN)

Definition

The PTP-Grandmaster is the master device in a PTP network that provides the time reference for all other devices in the network. It is selected by the Best Master Clock Algorithm (BMCA) and typically synchronizes with an external time source such as a GPS signal. The redundancy of the Grandmaster is crucial for the reliability of the entire time synchronization system. In complex networks, multiple Grandmasters can be configured to ensure a highly available time supply.

Architecture

flowchart TD   GM[PTP-Grandmaster] -->|PTP-Messages| Slave1[PTP-Slave 1]   GM -->|PTP-Messages| Slave2[PTP-Slave 2]   GM -->|PTP-Messages| Slave3[PTP-Slave 3]   GM -->|GPS-Signal| GPS[GPS-Uhr]      subgraph PTP-Netzwerk     direction TB     GM     Slave1     Slave2     Slave3   end      classDef master fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px;   classDef slave fill:#bbf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px;   classDef source fill:#bfb,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px;      class GM master;   class Slave1,Slave2,Slave3 slave;   class GPS source; 

In Context

• Typically used together with PTP-Slaves and Boundary Clocks
• Related to: Best Master Clock Algorithm (BMCA), IEEE 1588, Precision Time Protocol
• Example use: Financial trading system with microsecond precision, 5G networks, industrial automation