Accurate Synchronization as a Service for 5G Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network timing solutions for 5G/LTE-A backhaul and fronthaul networks lack precision and accuracy due to variability in complex network environments, necessitating more robust and scalable synchronization methods.
Innovation Solution
Implementing Accurate Synchronization as a Service (ASaaS) using grand master clocks receiving GPS signals, calculating transmission time delays, and generating precision time protocol (PTP) timing signals to ensure accurate synchronization between network elements, including virtual network functions, through open-loop or closed-loop feedback systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current network timing solutions are used in complex networks, then network operation is maintained, but timing precision and synchronization accuracy deteriorate due to network variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dedicated timing server as an intermediary component that receives precise timing signals from GPS and distributes them through PTP protocols. This mediator handles the complexity of timing synchronization separately from the core network operations, isolating timing precision requirements from network variability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments timing synchronization into distinct layers: GPS receives timing signals, the timing server processes and generates PTP timestamps, and network elements apply these timestamps. This segmentation allows each component to optimize for its specific function, maintaining timing precision independent of overall network complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If timing signals are transmitted through multiple network paths, then network flexibility is improved, but timing accuracy deteriorates due to path variability
Solution Approach 1:
The PTP protocol implements feedback mechanisms where slave clocks send timestamped messages back to master clocks, allowing the system to measure and compensate for transmission delays. This feedback loop continuously adjusts timing based on actual path conditions, maintaining synchronization accuracy even when network paths vary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes timing parameters based on measured network conditions. The PTP protocol adjusts timestamp calculations and delay compensation values in real-time based on observed transmission characteristics, allowing the system to adapt to different network paths while maintaining precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing network timing functionality. In some embodiments, a grand master clock(s) might receive a first timing signal from a global positioning system (“GPS”) source via a GPS antenna(s), and might send a second timing signal (which might be based at least in part on the first timing signal) to a slave clock(s), in some cases, via one or more network elements or the like. A computing system might calculate various transmission times for the second timing signal to be transmitted between the grand master clock(s) and the slave clock(s), and might calculate any time delay differences in the transmission times, might generate a third timing signal based at least in part on the calculated time delay differences (if any), and might send the third timing signal to one or more network elements, thereby providing Accurate Synchronization as a Service (“ASaaS”) functionality.