A bridge element is provided for establishing clock synchronization across network elements including a first network element using a first clock synchronization transport protocol and a second network element using a second clock synchronization transport protocol different from the first clock synchronization transport protocol. The bridge element includes a port, a protocol translation port and an interconnect structure. The port may receive a clock synchronization signal from the first network element using the first clock synchronization protocol. The interconnect structure may receive the clock synchronization signal from the port. The protocol translation port may receive the clock synchronization signal from the interconnect structure, translate the clock synchronization signal between the first clock synchronization transport protocol and the second clock synchronization transport protocol, and provide the translated clock synchronization signal to the second network element using the second clock synchronization protocol.