Model-based evaluation and improvement of PTP syntonisation accuracy in packet-switched backhaul networks for mobile applications

Abstract

Base stations in mobile networks have very strict frequency synchronisation (also referred to as syntonisation) requirements. As backhaul networks are migrated to asynchronous packet-switching technology, timing over packet using the IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) replaces current synchronisation methods that rely on the synchronous bit clock of the network. With PTP, base-station clocks derive their frequency from the inter-packet delays of Sync messages sent by a high-quality time source at regular time intervals. Packet-delay variation (PDV) thus has a major impact on the achievable synchronisation quality, and the amount of PDV of a backhaul network determines whether the network can support frequency synchronisation of base stations. We present a simulation and an analytical approach to assessing the suitability of backhaul networks for clock synchronisation using PTP and derive two methods for reducing PDV. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.