Network synchronization controller and timing loop prevention method

Abstract

A network synchronization controller and method for effectively preventing a timing loop from happening in a synchronous network. A clock status message controller, disposed in each network element on the network, produces and sends clock status messages which are each composed of clock quality data and synchronization control data. The clock quality data indicates the quality level of a clock signal that each network element supplies to its neighboring network elements. The synchronization control data contains information to be used to make the network synchronized with a single reference timing source. A clock selector chooses one of the clock signals received from other network elements, based on the clock status messages received along with the clock signals.