5G Synchronization for Cost-Sensitive Cable Modems

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5G radio access networks (RANs) require a new approach to designing and building networks. Work by organizations like CableLabs is spawning specifications for mobile backhaul over the cable network that can address the performance requirements of 4G/LTE and 5G RAN.

The existing Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) hybrid fiber coax (HFC) infrastructure provides many advantages for wireless backhaul. For example, a North American operator case study found that all of the ideal small-cell locations were within 10 meters of coax.

DOCSIS transport itself is synchronous in nature and uses a common clock derived by the cable-modem termination system (CMTS). This clock has a ±5-ppm clock accuracy.