Tracing timestamps through immutable records

Abstract

Systems and methods include techniques for recording information for tracing a timestamp to its source. The techniques can facilitate auditing of a time service by external auditors. The timestamps can be collected from all the sources and intermediate touch points like timing and network switches and can be stored in a distributed time ledger. In one example, a method includes receiving, at a collection time by a time collector, a timestamp from each of a plurality of timing devices at a collection time; aggregating the timestamp of each of the plurality of timing devices into a timestamp record, the timestamp record including the collection time and a timestamp entry for each of the timing devices, wherein the timestamp entry for a timing device includes a timing device identifier and the timestamp corresponding to the timing device providing the timestamp; and inserting the timestamp record into an immutable time ledger.