Enhancing Time Precision in White-Box Switches Using Software-Based Precision Time Protocol (PTP)

White-box switches have emerged as a pivotal component in modern networking architectures due to their flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and programmability. Within a data center network, achieving precise time synchronization within these switches is imperative for various critical functions such as packet scheduling, network security, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Conventional time synchronization protocols, like the Network Time Protocol (NTP), fail to meet the stringent time synchronization demands of the white-box switches because they are software-based. In contrast, the Precision Time Protocol (PTP), a hardware-based solution, offers sub-microsecond accuracy and low-latency time synchronization. However, despite the advantages of PTP, integrating it into white-box switches may pose challenges due to additional hardware requirements. This paper elaborates on a study conducted to understand the role of white-box switches and their precise time synchronization in data center networking, as well as a comparative measurement between NTP and PTP. Ultimately, this research contributes to a nuanced understanding of the role of PTP in modern white-box switches and lays down decision making processes regarding time synchronization protocols in networking deployments.