In formal message handling and radio protocols, the time of origin is the precise moment the originator hands over a message to the communications operator for dispatch. It is usually expressed in a standard format, such as a Date-Time Group, using Coordinated Universal Time or a specific military time zone. This metric is critical for tracking network delays, establishing the chronological order of events, and determining if a tactical directive is stale.
Check the time of origin on that flash traffic, because it looks like it was held up at the relay for over twenty minutes.
Operators log the time of origin explicitly in the message header so receiving stations know exactly how old the information is, regardless of network routing latency.
Related terms
Transmission time
The duration required to push all the bits of a packet or message onto a communications medium.
Relay
A telecommunications service that facilitates calls between users with hearing or speech disabilities and users of standard telephones.
Roger
A voice procedure word meaning the last transmission was received and understood.