Detecting and Locating Nonreciprocal Links Based on the Correlation of Routes in Time Transfer Networks

In this article, we proposed a scheme to detect and locate nonreciprocal links based on the correlation of routes in a time transfer network. Different routes between two stations in networks synthesize several ring routes. The reciprocity of each ring route is determined based on the clockwise and the counterclockwise propagation delays of the corresponding ring route measured at the same station. The nonreciprocal links in the nonreciprocal ring route are further located according to the correlation of multiple routes in the time transfer network. The sufficient and necessary conditions for locating nonreciprocal links are presented and proved. The proposed scheme is validated using simulation in a transmission network with eight stations and 14 links. In addition, the identifying and locating accuracy of the proposed scheme is analyzed in relation to the number of available links between the two stations and the reciprocity detected error probability of the nonreciprocal links in a reciprocal ring route.