Analysis of the Synchronization Requirements of 5g and Corresponding Solutions

TLDR

The article discusses 5G synchronization requirements and challenges, emphasizing new technologies, services, architecture, and the essential role of transport‑network time synchronization. The study aims to introduce new time‑source and transport technologies and to foster closer SDO cooperation for defining 5G time‑synchronization specifications. A new time‑reference model, including a fronthaul budget for C‑RAN, is proposed along with solutions to enhance time accuracy. The authors propose a ±130 ns network limit for 5G and show that higher precision can be achieved within a limited network cluster.

Abstract

This article discusses the synchronization requirements and challenges from 5G in terms of the new technologies, new services, and the new architecture. Time synchronization via transport networks will be essential. ±130ns is proposed as the new goal of network limits for 5G. Higher precision requirements can be achieved through the same network cluster in a relatively limited area. A new time reference model is suggested, and in particular, the budget of the fronthaul is presented for C-RAN. Corresponding solutions for enhancing time accuracy are presented. New technologies of the time source and the time transport need to be introduced. SDOs need closer cooperation to define the specification of time synchronization for 5G.