Liaison statement
LS on information on actions taken by SG15 on inclusive language

This liaison provides information on actions taken by SG15 on the topic of
non-inclusive language

Q13/15 is responsible for the development of Recommendations on network
synchronization and time distribution performance. In the context of network
synchronization some terms that have been used over the past decades, are now
regarded as non-inclusive.

The following actions have been taken at this meeting on the relevant Q13
Recommendations proposed for consent at this meeting, namely ITU-T G.8271.1
(ref.1), G.8273.2 (ref.3), G.8273 (ref.2):

The PTP (ref.5) “master” and “slave” related terms have been replaced with the
terms recommended by IEEE Std 1588g™-2022 (ref.4), i.e., “timeTransmitter” and
“timeReceiver” respectively (the term “Grandmaster” has been kept as
recommended by IEEE Std 1588g™-2022).

For the ITU-T T-TSC (Telecom Time Slave Clock), which has a broader scope than
the clocks defined by IEEE1588, the term Telecom Time Slave Clock has been
replaced with “Telecom Time Synchronous Clock”.

In the context of physical layer synchronization (e.g., syncE) similar action
has been taken, with the removal or replacement of the term slave as
appropriate (depending on the context the term has either been removed or
replaced). The term “master” has been retained.

Similar action is planned for the Synchronization related Recommendations
planned for consent at all future SG15 plenary meetings. In particular, we
currently plan to update and adopt the new terminology in G.8260, G.8275,
G.8275.1, G.8275.2, G.781, G.781.1 and G.8264 during the SG15 plenary meeting
in December 2023.

We look forward to fruitful coordination and cooperation between our groups.

References:

1. G.8271.1, Network limits for time synchronization in packet networks with
full timing support from the network

2. G.8273, Timing characteristics of telecom boundary clocks and telecom time
synchronous clocks for use with full timing support from the network

3. G.8273.2, Timing characteristics of telecom boundary clocks and telecom time
synchronous clocks for use with full timing support from the network

4. IEEE Std 1588g™-2022, IEEE Standard for a Precision Clock Synchronization
Protocol for Networked Measurement and Control Systems Amendment 2:
Master-Slave Optional Alternative Terminology

5. IEEE Std 1588™-2019, IEEE Standard for a Precision Clock Synchronization
Protocol for Networked Measurement and Control Systems