Written by: Stefano Ruffini
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The telecommunications industry acknowledges the importance of good network synchronization, in particular, following the introduction of digital techniques and telecommunications technologies such as WCDMA. What is more, the introduction of Ethernet networks, and the growing number of hybrid (packet- and circuit-switched) network architectures makes clear the requirement to maintain synchronization quality as a means of guaranteeing quality of service (QoS).
To support evolving telecommunications networks, Ericsson provides effective site and network solutionsÑfor example, the Mobile Packet Backbone Network (Mobile-PBN)Ñas well as specific synchronization solutions. The solutions employ products that are suitable for implementing a reliable, cost-effective and easy-to-operate, dedicated synchronization network. These productsÑthe central building clock (CBC) and GPS system clock (GSC)Ñare currently available in the common site product portfolio for the core network. The CBC is fully redundant, stand-alone synchronization equipment (SASE). The GSC is a cost-effective, stand-alone clock controlled by GPS.
Each of these products is employed to provide telecommunications equipment with network frequency and time synchronization functions and has been optimized for, but is not limited to, use with EricssonÕs main platforms such as AXE and CPP.
The main benefits of synchronization networks based on these products are a flatter synchronization-distribution hierarchy, improved reliability, and greatly reduced overall costs of operation and maintenance (O&M), administration, and provisioning.
The author explains why network synchronization is necessary and what can happen if it is not planned properly. He also introduces the CBC and GSC and describes how EricssonÕs solutions meet the requirements of a synchronization network. Although the main focus of this article is on frequency synchronization, EricssonÕs solutions also provide an accurate time synchronization reference.
[First published in Ericsson Review no. 01, 2004]
