The document outlines the synchronization requirements for 5G networks, highlighting that they require precise timing of less than ±1.5μs for end-to-end synchronization. It discusses the evolution of synchronization techniques from 4G to 5G, including the adoption of PTP for accurate timing and the introduction of synchronization clusters. Additionally, it presents various solutions and products designed to enhance time distribution and synchronization accuracy in 5G deployments.

1. Synchronization for 5G: the requirements
and the solutions
Gil Biran, SVP and GM, Oscilloquartz
SCWS 2019

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Synchronization requirements in mobile networks
2G/3G – frequency synchronization
3G TDD: 5µs time synchronization (large cells)
LTE – multicast: several µs time synchronization
LTE Advanced CoMP, TDD: 1.5µs time synchronization
5G – positioning: <100ns time sync (cluster)
5G – CA, IoT: several 100ns time sync (cluster)
Fronthaul eCPRI: <100ns time sync
Increased
spectral efficiency
and data throughput

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5G synchronization requirements
Standard 5G TDD networks require ±1.5μs end-to-end (same as 3G and 4G)
Cooperative radio techniques (e.g., inter-site CA, CoMP, MIMO) require much tighter
synchronization when deployed
• Consensus seems to be around ±130ns, but only between RRUs connected to the same DU
• This permits “sync clusters” of very tightly synchronized elements

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Enhanced clock specifications for 5G
D D
+/-4ns +/-4ns

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BBU is further split into DU/CU with very stringent timing requirements
From 4G eNB to 5G gNB synchronization evolution
4G: RRH connected
over CPRI with in-band
synchronization
5G: gNB with Ethernet
connectivity and
DU/CU using PTP for
accurate timing
RRU connected over
eCPRI with PTP
synchronization
EPCBBU
RRH
PTP Profile
G.8275.1/.2
DU CU
5G RRU
PTP Profile G.8275.1/.2
EPC
G.8275.1
T-GM
SyncE SyncE T-GM
T-TSC SyncE
T-TSC
T-BC
ETH-IPETH/eCPRI

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Emerging synchronization architecture for most stringent timing requirements
Synchronization with eCPRI front- and backhaul
RRH
RRH
RRH eCPRI fronthaul
network: FOPS
G.8275.1
BC and SyncE
Cell sites with eRE
for fronthaul timing
CU and DU with
eREC fronthaul
timing and GNSS-
disciplined GM
Core network: full or
partial on-path
support
BC and SyncE
Central
synchronization
delivery with
grandmaster and
ePRTC
+/-100nsec
+/-1100nsec
Fronthaul Backhaul
DU
Midhaul
CU

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5G synchronization architecture
eCPRI
BackhaulMidhaulFronthaul
Ethernet
+/-100nsec
+/-1100nsec
Access
unit
Distribution
unit
Central
units
Telecom
grandmaster
AU DU
CU
CU
CU
G.8275.1 or G.8275.2G.8275.1
RRU
RRU

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Solution portfolio
Many opportunities to enhance accuracy of time distribution
OSA 5401 SyncPlugTM:
SFP-based cell site PTP
grandmaster
OSA 5405 SyncReachTM:
cell-site grandmaster with
integrated dual GNSS
receiver
OSA 5420/30/40: edge/
core grandmaster
featuring 1/10GE interfaces
OSA 3230B: atomic cesium
clock for highest precision
and longest holdover
Cell site
Back-/fronthaul
Central office
ePRTC solution

9. Thank you
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