70% of Three Sweden’s radio network use transport over leased capacity in the aggregation layer. This created a significant challenge for Three Sweden to implement an in-network time synchronization solution that could work over leased connections and completely independent of GPS/GNSS.
Three Sweden selected Net Insight’s synchronization solution as it was the only solution in the market that could combine their specific requirements and enable a cost-efficient, fast, and easy rollout. Net Insight’s overlay approach is an open solution that works over any network, including leased lines, making it highly suitable for Three Sweden’s 5G rollout.
One strong benefit Three Sweden discovered with Net Insight’s solution was the possibility to monitor not only the full synchronization network but also the performance of the underlying network and in particular the SLAs of the leased links from the wholesale operators. The solution enabled data-driven network analysis and provided detailed metrics for both synchronization and network data. This provided increased visibility of the network and allowed Three Sweden to find and pro-actively address potential issues.
Three Sweden considered several alternative solutions, including PTP synchronization-as-a-service from leased line provider, to rebuild leased line network using dark fiber for possible use of FTS PTP, or to implement cesium clocks across the entire network. However, neither of these options could meet Three’s specific requirements and situation.
PTP synchronization-as-a-service was not an available option. Rebuilding the leased line network was also not a relevant option in reality due to the high cost. Similarly, cesium clocks are also expensive and require continuous maintenance, such as refilling the cesium, which can add up cost over time.
Net Insight’s solution is cost-efficient due to its ability to work over any network, including leased lines, which eliminates the need for additional infrastructure or equipment. The solution is also open and vendor agnostic, reducing the costs associated with vendor lock-in. Moreover, Net Insight’s solution enabled Three to avoid restrictions in coverage and reach, which could have resulted in additional costs and reduced service quality. Therefore, in terms of cost-efficiency, Net Insight’s solution provides a clear advantage over both FTS PTP and cesium clocks.
“Centralized management played a critical role in the benefits provided by Net Insight’s synchronization solution for our 5G network. Its wide range of telemetry metrics provided us with deep insights into our synchronization network, enabling us to quickly analyze and troubleshoot issues before they affect end systems. The centralized management and the timing service orchestration ensure that our synchronization layer operates at maximum efficiency and performance.”, says Håkan Andersson, Mobile Transport System Specialist at Three.
“We are pleased to have our synchronization solution chosen by Three Sweden for their nationwide 5G rollout. Our open and vendor-agnostic solution, with its overlay approach, provides the high accuracy and reliability required for 5G TDD while offering increased visibility and cost savings. Our solution’s centralized management and timing service orchestration ensure maximum efficiency and performance for Three’s synchronization layer, allowing them to quickly analyze and troubleshoot issues before they affect end systems. We are proud to be a partner in Three’s 5G journey and to help them deliver high-quality service to their customers.” – Hans Sjöstrand, Product Manager Synchronization at Net Insight
