Timing and synchronization are extremely important aspects of cellular communication networks. Frequency synchronization alone is enough to meet the requirements of older 2G and 3G networks, as well as LTE networks based on frequency-division-duplexing (FDD). However, LTE networks based on time-division-duplexing (TDD), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) networks, and future 5G networks also require phase synchronization. Utilizing phase synchronization allows for efficient spectrum usage and interference mitigation, making it critical to satisfy the needs of higher-density networks.
One company that is addressing these challenges with its timing and synchronization solutions for current and future wireless networks is Microsemi. The company recently introduced the TimeProvider 4100, which is an IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) gateway clock that provides phase to 4G and 5G base stations. The TimeProvider 4100 offers multiple PTP profiles, and is designed to scale from the edge to the aggregation layers of both mobile infrastructure and access networks.