Meta is introducing the Simple Precision Time Protocol (SPTP) for high-precision time synchronization, following the use of the Precision Time Protocol (PTP) in its data centers. The Meta team has identified the complexity issue with PTP, as it requires sending and maintaining connection status for multiple packets. This results in high CPU and memory usage, as well as significant network usage, with a total of 11 round trips for each time synchronization.
SPTP, on the other hand, only requires sending 3 packets per time synchronization, resulting in lower CPU and memory usage, as well as reduced network usage. Meta’s SPTP time synchronization servers save 40% CPU, 70% memory, and 50% network usage while maintaining similar time accuracy to PTP.
Currently, Meta has released the open-source code for both the server and client of SPTP.
TLDR: Meta introduces SPTP, a protocol for high-precision time synchronization that reduces resource usage compared to PTP while maintaining similar accuracy. Open-source code for SPTP is now available.
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