Embodiments are directed to timing synchronization between network nodes, such as, for example, based upon IEEE 1588. Example embodiments provide for a node in a IEEE 1588 message exchange to obtain the T3 timestamp without using its host interface to access the physical layer. Methods and systems include aspects of determining an egress timestamp corresponding to a time at which a first packet is transmitted from a physical interface of a first network entity on to a network media, storing the egress timestamp in a memory associated with the physical interface, receiving a second packet at the physical interface, retrieving the egress timestamp from the memory based upon the second packet, and updating the second packet with the retrieved egress timestamp. Embodiments may further include providing the updated second packet for protocol processing in the first network entity, or transmitting the updated second packet from the physical interface on to a network media.