Precision TimeNet – 5G sync

Ensure accurate time synchronization for your 5G mobile network over existing IP infrastructure with Precision TimeNet.
Home » Accelerate 5g rollout

OVERVIEW

Reliable time synchronization is critical to secure service availability in 5G

When moving to 5G TDD, time synchronization becomes a fundamental and mission critical function in 5G networks. Without correct time, services will cease to work and operators risk impacting other operator’s 5G services. MNOs need to look closely at 5G synchronization since it will significantly affect cost and time-to-market for any 5G TDD network. New high-end real-time services will be key growth drivers in 5G networks, making security and service availability top priorities for mobile operators.

There is a new synchronization solution, Precision TimeNet that is designed for highest service availability and fundamentally changes how synchronization is performed by disaggregating it from the physical transport. According to a customer study performed by Kearney, Precision TimeNet can lower the cost for synchronization by over 50% in 5G networks and significantly lower complexity and operational cost (OPEX) for synchronization in large 5G networks.

CHALLENGES

Why 5G synchronization is important to you

Synchronization is a system-critical function in 5G to ensure a fast and secure rollout process without compromising on quality or reliability. Existing solutions create operational complexity as entire underlying networks might need to be upgraded or heterogenous networks with leased lines build a dependency on vendors.

GNSS/GPS synchronization is commonly used for synchronizing mobile base stations, but the threat of jamming and spoofing of GNSS signals and national regulators is an incentive for you to become GNSS/GPS independent.

5G networks will in contrast to most 3G/4G networks be increasingly used for mission critical services including blue light services but also used for autonomous cars and real time industry applications (i.e. ultra reliable and low latency communication, uRLLC). Thus the security and reliability is key to mobile operators.

PTP networks require full on-path HW support

To enable 5G in PTP networks every node must be PTP enabled with Full Timing Support which can lead to costly upgrades and even replacement of existing network equipment which results in high costs and often locks the operator into a single vendor.

Handling asymmetries

The biggest challenge delivering time and phase in a network is handling the asymmetries that occur in the network. Frequency synchronization is not affected by asymmetries i.e. different latencies in the uplink compared to the downlink. This means that there will be hidden asymmetries in the network until phase and time are enabled. For time and phase however, network asymmetries generate constant time error.

Unreliable due to jamming & spoofing

Signals in GNSS systems are vulnerable as it i easy to intrude via disruption jamming, either by blocking them out completely (“jamming”) or by replacing the GPS signal with a similar false signal that are stronger than the real signal and provide recipients with the wrong position and time (“spoofing”).

Regulators mandate a GNSS independent alternative

Vendor independence for heterogeneous networks to easily operate complex networks with multiple vendors or leased lines.

Complex heterogeneous networks with leased lines

Mobile operators often have heterogeneous networks and it is common with leased lines from various wholesales operators. For PTP networks these leased lines must have full network update to support full on-path synchronization in 5G but since mobile operators don’t own the lines it can delay the roll out process or severely restrict the available offers for capacity services.

SOLUTION

Precision TimeNet in 5G networks

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Open and disaggregated:​ Ability to deploy over existing core and aggregation networks including leased lines. Timing is independent of network vendors, network capacity and network layers​.

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Proven interoperability: Precision TimeNet could be used as Primary or Complimentary synchronization with proven interoperability with base stations and routers from Nokia, Ericsson, Cisco, ZTE and Huawei. Full PTP functionality developed together with Meinberg.

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GNSS independent​: GNSS solutions are inherently vulnerable to jamming and spoofing. Regulators, like the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) begins to require a GNSS independent solution in the 5G networks.

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Ensures better uptime of critical 5G services: Enhanced multilink and redundancy options improves stability and redundancy in the synchronization network.

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High reliability and stability: The base technology has been used for GPS-independent time synchronization in 20 national digital TV networks since 10 years and Net Insight holds 9 patent families related to synchronization in IP and 5G networks.

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CUSTOMERS

Selected by Europe’s biggest telecom operators

Three Sweden

Europe – Mobile operator

Three Sweden (‘Three’) has selected Net Insight for synchronizing its 5G network. The companies have worked in close cooperation and after extensive field evaluation of Net Insight’s 5G time sync solution, Three has placed an initial order for Nimbra Time Nodes.

“Net Insight’s solution offers unique advantages as an alternative to GPS synchronization thereby creating redundancy and securing the availability of our 5G network.”

PER STIGENBERG

CTO of Three

Türk Telekom

Europe – Mobile operator

In a collaborative effort between pioneering telecom operator Türk Telekom and synchronization expert Net Insight, they are revolutionizing 5G networks by developing and rolling out the world’s first GNSS independent overlay synchronization solution. Net Insight will develop the product on the foundation of the company’s core technology, competencies, and experience in time synchronization, and combined with Türk Telekom’s expertise and technology adapt it for 5G and future synchronization requirements.

“We see considerable market potential for this innovative solution which will reduce costs and speed up the roll-out of 5G for mobile operators globally”

ÜMIT ÖNAL

CEO of Türk Telekom

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