The IEEE 1588 standard is a protocol that allows clocks on different devices in a network to be set at the same time. This is essential for precise control and measurement for automated manufacturing and test equipment where it is cost prohibitive to use GPS receivers or simply where GPS signals are not available. The protocol works by exchanging time stamped messages between nodes and uses the delay determined by these timestamps to update the device clock. This update occurs on a regular basis. The precision of the system is set by the amount of error introduced into the timestamps. This error can be reduced by capturing the timestamp closer to the wire. This standard replaces expensive coaxial timing cables for an Ethernet based control / measurement system. It, however, does not define how the clock is updated or how the timestamps are captured – these are subject to the implementation. Hardware assist at the PHY level can improve both of these operations.