Network element clocking accuracy and stability monitoring over a packet-switched network

Abstract

Various exemplary embodiments include a method and related system and monitoring entity including one or more of the following: generating timing information at a master node in a packet-switched network, the timing information specifying a value of a master clock; communicating the timing information from the master node to a plurality of slave nodes over a first plurality of time-division multiplexing (TDM) pseudowires; running a digital phase-locked loop on each slave node to synchronize each slave node to the master clock, wherein each digital phase-locked loop outputs a frequency at which the respective slave node is operating; sending the frequency outputted by each digital phase-locked loop to a monitoring entity over a second plurality of TDM pseudowires; utilizing the outputted frequencies at the monitoring entity to identify all slave nodes that are experiencing timing problems; and implementing a remedial measure for all slave nodes that are experiencing timing problems.