Stable pairwise time synchronization in the application layer for capillary machine-to-machine networks

[Display omitted] ► Stable pairwise time synchronization (SPS) for capillary machine-to-machine networks. ► SPS provides underlying platform independence and operational stability. ► SPS eliminates time uncertainty in the offset calculation in a software manner. ► Timing error always remains close to the application’s specific error bound. This paper presents the design and performance evaluation of a stable pairwise time synchronization protocol (abbreviated SPS) for capillary machine-to-machine (M2M) networks that provides underlying platform independence and operational stability, even under harsh conditions. SPS achieves the first criterion using a novel technique whereby the M2M device captures incoming or outgoing moments of timing messages. The second criterion is achieved by adaptively adjusting the resynchronization interval. Extensive simulations are conducted to demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of SPS.