Precision Time Protocol

The Precision Time Protocol (PTP) is a protocol for clock synchronization throughout a computer network with relatively high precision and therefore potentially high accuracy. In a local area network (LAN), accuracy can be sub-microsecond – making it suitable for measurement and control systems.^[1] PTP is used to synchronize financial transactions, mobile phone tower transmissions, sub-sea acoustic arrays, and networks that require precise timing but lack access to satellite navigation signals.^{[citation needed]}

The first version of PTP, IEEE 1588-2002, was published in 2002. IEEE 1588-2008, also known as PTP Version 2, is not backward compatible with the 2002 version. IEEE 1588-2019 was published in November 2019 and includes backward-compatible improvements to the 2008 publication. IEEE 1588-2008 includes a profile concept defining PTP operating parameters and options. Several profiles have been defined for applications including telecommunications, electric power distribution and audiovisual uses. IEEE 802.1AS is an adaptation of PTP, called gPTP, for use with Audio Video Bridging (AVB) and Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN).