  The operation of many network communication protocols require accurate time
synchronization between nodes. In the automotive space, IEEE 802.3bw (commonly
referred to as automotive ethernet) is quickly becoming the most popular
in-vehicle communication protocol between electronic control units (ECUs). The
rapid advance of autonomous vehicles is predicated on a high throughput of
multiple HD video streams, LIDAR readings, ML inferences, and vehicular control
signals propagating on the same bus. To ensure reliability, security, and
safety, for millions of passengers and bystanders, it is essential that the
stack is robust at even the lowest level. The time synchronization protocol in
this standard is IEEE 802.1 AS which was initially developed for virtual and
virtual bridge local area networks (LANs). This paper presents an analysis of
failure modes affecting the ability of in-vehicle automotive ethernet networks
to synchronize clocks between ECUs. To demonstrate this, we use the OMNet++
discrete event simulator to showcase normal operation, failover to the
hot-standby clock, and a black hole attack on one network switch.

Systems and Control;Systems and Control