The IEEE ratified 802.3bf-2011, offering Ethernet support for time synchronization protocols. 
An amendment to the IEEE 802.3TM Ethernet standard, IEEE 802.3bf provides the hardware support for time distribution and synchronization protocols, e.g., IEEE 1588 and IEEE 802.1AS -2011. This amendment to the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standard paves the way for the rapid adoption of the IEEE 802.1TM Audio/Video Bridging (AVB) protocol technologies in existing and future networks.
“The audio and video communities have been using Ethernet technologies for years as a high-performance, low-cost transport. IEEE 802.3bf-2011 and the IEEE 802.1 AVB protocol suite allow for precise timing across the network-a critical function for delivery of high-quality audio and video in real time. For the first time, this can be accomplished using interoperable IEEE 802 technologies, rather than many proprietary and incompatible solutions,” said Steve Carlson, Chair, IEEE 802.3bf Task Force, President, High Speed Design, Inc.http://www.ieee.org
