Precision Time Protocol

Our solution delivers PTP Time from anywhere to everywhere

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OVERVIEW

Enhancing PTP by bringing scalability and high time accuracy over any network infrastructure independent of GPS/GNSS

PTP or IEEE1588v2 is the standard for delivering accurate time over IP and optical networks. PTP is delivered to end equipment using different profiles for various applications. For telecom and 5G networks, the main profile being used is G.8275.1 requiring full timing support (FTS) in every intermediate node. The other telecom profile G.8275.2 using partial timing support (PTS) cannot deliver the accuracy required over IP networks since it cannot accurately handle delay variations or asymmetries in the network. G.8275.2 is sometimes used together with GNSS/GPS to provide so called assisted partial timing support (APTS) to prolong holdover time in case of loss of GNSS signal.

5G TDD base stations, including CU/DU/RU equipment, expect a PTP G.8275 signal with maximum ±1,5 µs absolute time error. If the PTP time delivered is outside the range, performance will be reduced and finally the service will stop. In addition, it can affect the performance and service availability of other operators, so called inter operator interference. This makes time synchronization a fundamental and very mission-critical function in 5G TDD networks.

CHALLENGES

Top 3 challenges we can help you solve

How to reach over non-PTP enabled infrastructure and leased line

Since 5G TDD requires full timing support in every intermediate node all the way out to the base station, PTP cannot be used to deliver time over leased lines or infrastructure that is not PTP enabled. For most operators this is a fundamental challenge and may require significant CAPEX investments. Precision TimeNet delivers PTP over any infrastructure including leased lines.

How to overcome network impairments and accelerate PTP over congested links

PTP with partial timing support cannot cope with high delay variations and other network impairments which makes it unsuitable for providing the high accuracy required in 5G TDD. This forces operators to upgrade or replace all nodes in the network to enable full timing support driving cost and complexity. Precision TimeNet is designed to handle high delay variations and packet loss delivering accurate time within the 5G TDD requirements of ±1,5 µs absolute time error.

How to handle network asymmetries

PTP with partial timing support cannot cope with asymmetries in the network. Asymmetries appear regularly in the network for instance during protection or routing changes. Therefore, it cannot be used over non-PTP enabled infrastructure or leased lines. Precision TimeNet is designed to detect and compensate for asymmetries in the network enabling accurate time delivery over any infrastructure.

CASE STUDY

We work with global customers

Türk Telekom

Europe – Mobile operator

Read case study

“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

Synchronization is the next key capability that will enable critical services and applications in 5G networks to drive return on investment for MNOs

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