distributeddistributed-computingclock-synchronizationclock

Physical Clocks: Correctness vs. Accuracy


In the context of studying for a class on distributed systems I stumbled upon the following definitions that I do not understand:

Question 1: I do get what the definition of correctness means, but how is accuracy different from it?

Question 2: What's the d all about? A not so mathematical explaination would be much appreciated.

Thank you very much in advance!


Solution

  • Without more symbols, but mathematical conceptually: Accuracy means your clock is changing at the same rate as the perfect clock. Correctness means the clocks register the same time. d is derivative - you can check a calculus book, or wikipedia. t means time, so change of the imperfect/perfect clock with respect to time.