PTP
PTP (Precision Time Protocol) is a network protocol used to synchronize clocks across computer systems with high precision, typically achieving sub-microsecond accuracy. It is defined by the IEEE 1588 standard and is commonly used in industrial automation, telecommunications, and financial trading systems where precise timing is critical. The protocol operates over Ethernet networks and uses a master-slave hierarchy to distribute time from a reference clock to other devices.
Developers should learn PTP when working on systems that require highly accurate time synchronization, such as in industrial control systems (e.g., manufacturing robots), telecom networks (e.g., 5G base stations), or high-frequency trading platforms. It is essential for applications where event ordering, data consistency, or real-time operations depend on precise timestamps, as it outperforms simpler protocols like NTP in latency-sensitive environments.