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Timing and Synchronization for 5G Open RAN Networks

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Timing and Synchronization for 5G Open RAN Networks hero

Learn about timing and synchronization considerations for 5G Open RAN Networks to deliver the full range of enhanced capabilities available with 5G New Radio.

It is impossible to ignore the current waves in the telecoms industry caused by the emergence of Open RAN. An ever-increasing number of major telecoms operators and vendors are moving to support the splitting of (previously integrated) network solutions and platforms into interoperable Whitebox hardware, middleware/Operating Systems, and software or virtual network functions (VNFs).

The Radio Access Network (RAN) can particularly benefit as a result, as network operators will choose optimized hardware and software solutions from a range of incumbent and new vendors to meet the specific needs of their network.

Despite these advantages, guaranteeing performance and managing complexity are inherent challenges of this new approach. In practice, the responsibility for validating and deploying systems will fall on network operators themselves – either directly, or through partnerships with Systems Integrators (SI).

The need for timing and synchronization

It should be noted that as Open RAN networks are intended to deliver the full range of enhanced capabilities available with 5G New Radio, the fundamental need for the network to deliver highly accurate synchronization (using Precision Time Protocol and Synchronous Ethernet) remains.

Often network operators require network equipment to meet strict timing requirements, such as ITU-T G.8273.2 Class-C specifications, with each device delivering nanoseconds level timing performance.

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Open RAN Synchronization Requirements

The combination of these specific timing requirements and the additional complexity of multi-vendor environments means it is critical to be able to identify and validate all aspects of network timing performance.

Synchronization plane (S-plane) has been identified as a key aspect of O-RAN specifications, with requirements defined in the working groups for Fronthaul, Open Interfaces and Transport.

인용구

The additional complexity of multi-vendor environments means it is critical to be able to identify and validate all aspects of network timing performance.

The devil is in the details

When it comes to validating network timing performance, “the devil is in the details," with synchronization a foundational element, affecting multiple functions distributed throughout the network as well as having a direct impact on radio performance.

O-RAN is used by 3GPP for radio specifications, and ITU-T and IEEE for ‘transport’ standards: in all cases this includes definition of synchronization requirements.

Open RAN is made possible through standardized open network interfaces, defined in 3GPP (radio specifications), O-RAN Alliance, ITU-T and IEEE (transport standards) among others.

All in all, it is vital to take a holistic view of the specifics of S-plane, as identified in the multiple areas of O-RAN specifications, as well as the fundamental timing requirements defined in ITU-T, which provide the building blocks and help determine how the S-plane requirements of ITU-T, O-RAN and 3GPP interact. These specifications must be considered when creating a comprehensive plan for testing synchronization performance of devices and systems, in a way that reflects related complexity.

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Testing an Open Distributed Unit (O-DU) for Open Fronthaul Conditions

Stay tuned for additional insights around the timing and synchronization considerations for 5G Open RAN Networks.

Learn more about solving the timing challenges of 5G오른쪽 화살표 아이콘

Guest contributor: Adam Paterson, Head of Product Management, Calnex Solutions

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Stephen Douglas
Stephen Douglas

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Stephen은 기술적 방향, 혁신적인 솔루션, 시장을 선도하는 획기적 기술을 정의할 수 있는 Spirent의 전략 부서에서 일하며, 큰 차이를 만들어냈습니다. 이동통신 업계에서 거의 20년이 가까운 시간을 보낸 Stephen은 차세대 기술 혁신의 중심에 서 있으며, 다중 서비스 제공 업체, 스타트업, 1티어 OEM이 혁신과 변혁을 이루어낼 수 있도록 업계의 다양한 부문에서 기량을 보여주었습니다. Stephen은 혁신과 사업의 성공을 막는 이기주의(silo)를 해결하고, 타파하고, 그 의미를 모호하게 만들기 위해 심혈을 기울이며, 기술을 열렬히 믿는 신봉자입니다.