Consuming Precision Time as a Service · ©2019 Equinix.com o 99.999% Availability (with redundant...
Transcript of Consuming Precision Time as a Service · ©2019 Equinix.com o 99.999% Availability (with redundant...
©2019 Equinix.com
Providing time to globally distributed DLs and BlockchainsJanuary 28, 2020
PRESENTER – Bob Goban, Principal Solutions Architect
Consuming Precision Time as a Service
©2019 Equinix.com© 2019 Equinix.com
Who is Equinix ?
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High Speed Blockchain: Architecture blueprint
Example: NY4 IBX
Financial Entity
Other IBX
Financial Network
Blockchain Node
• Financial exchanges while potentially leveraging distributed technologies still physically exist in specific locations around the world
• Achieving high speed transaction time and volumes are critical
• Maintaining hyper accurate time-stamping is a mandate
• Theory: An IBX specific interconnection solution with all parties in close proximity to one another and the Precision Timing Service can maintain compliance with time stamping, improve DLT Exchange trade speeds and propel DLT based trading into the mainstream
Distribute the Ledger – Converge the Geography
Timing Service
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Solving for time synchronization today?
Do-It-Yourself(Proprietary Data Center )
Pros:• Nanosecond-level precision• Control
Cons (Time, Resources, Cost):• Procure, setup and operate
redundant infrastructure to source precise time
• Build and train staff• Scale and support across locations
Network Timing Service(CoLo-NSP)
Pros:• Microsecond-level accuracy• Easier than DIY
Cons:• Not available in all locations may be
limited to NTP only• Long provisioning cycle• Limited support
Public Internet
Pros:• Easy to connect• Free (Google, Apple, ntp.org etc.)
Cons:• Lack of precision becomes
unacceptable for DLT and Blockchain services
• Unreliable – highly unpredictable precision
• Security – easily susceptible to attacks
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Time Synchronization Centers
Redundant GPS-Enabled Center Redundant ECX Fabric Center
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o Globally available high-precision timing solutions that provide nanosecond
level precision supporting full scale production workloads.
o A robust enterprise-grade platform that would allow the R&D community to
test clock synchronization at scale, analyze and visualize synchronization
results
o DLT researchers need to access clock synchronization environment and
synchronization visualization and monitoring system
Distributed Systems & DLT Ecosystem Needs
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An Example Time Distribution Deployment Architecture
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Antenna
Time Server
Grand-master
BoundaryClock Switch
ECX Fabric
NY4 NY5
Customer’s Server in TR2
PTP NTP
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Platform Architecture At Glance (US)
Time Synchronization Center
Equinix ECX Fabric
GPS Enabled Center
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Platform: Protocols, OS, Devices
• PTP IEEE1588-2008
• NTP v. 3 (RFC 1305) and v. 4 (RFC 5905)
• Linux (CentOS, Ubuntu)
• Windows (Windows 10 Home and Enterprise)
• HW timestamp enable NICs (PTP):
Examples: Mellanox ConnectX-3 Pro (CX-3 Pro) Intel® Ethernet
Controller I210-AT, Solarflare SFN5122F
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o 99.999% Availability (with redundant ECX connections)
o Predictable low latency and low jitter across the fabric
o End-to-end private Interconnection with no exposure to the Internet
o Customer forwarding planes are isolated to their own virtual routing and
forwarding (VRF) tables and Layer 2 and/or Layer 3 VPNs
o Simple easy provisioning using our client or yours
ECX Fabric enables efficient distribution of precise time
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NTP and PTP precision tests on ECX Fabric
PTP / NTPMaster
PTP / NTPMaster
Average precision observed on ECXF across North AmericaPTP: 10-15 µsNTP: 30-40 µs
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