We present a mathematical framework adapted to the comparison of atomic\nclocks remotely connected by a complex network of optical or microwave links.\nThis framework facilitates the computation of frequency ratios using a generic\nset of equations that are valid for a wide variety of clock architectures,\nmaking the comparison of a large number of clocks practical. This formalism\nsuggests a generic data exchange protocol that can be used in clock comparison\ncollaborations, for which data logging and decision ta…