5G timing and synchronization requirements are tighter and more demanding than in any previous wireless generation. Every network element needs perfect synchronization for 5G to deliver on its promised ultra-high-performance requirements.
To ensure that a network’s timing and synchronization is accurate, 5G relies on network synchronization based on IEEE’s 1588 PTP (Precision Time Protocol). This guarantees that an Ethernet network’s timing and synchronization is consistent and accurate across every network element.
Between equipment failures, incorrect configuration and network issues, many different factors can increase time error in the network or cause problems delivering 1588 PTP. In addition, as TDD transmission-based 5G deployments gain prominence—due to increased use of C-band spectrum—stringent timing and synchronization measures will be required to prevent interference and performance issues.
These are reasons why it’s of paramount importance to test and validate network time synchronization.