ADVA, Nokia demonstrate end-to-end 5G mobile network synchronization without GNSS reliance

The demonstration leveraged ADVA’s Oscilloquartz Precision Time Protocol (PTP) grandmaster clocks to deliver phase and frequency synchronization from the core to the cell site without risk from GNSS vulnerabilities.

Stephen Hardy

July 8, 2019

2 min read

The demonstrations leveraged members of the Oscilloquartz OSA ePRTC system family.

ADVA (FSE: ADV) says it has paired with Nokia to demonstrate an approach that delivers end-to-end network timing for 5G mobile networks at Orange Poland’s Innovation Garden Summit. The demonstration leveraged ADVA’s Oscilloquartz Precision Time Protocol (PTP) grandmaster clocks to deliver phase and frequency synchronization from the core to the cell site without risk from global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) vulnerabilities.

The live demonstration featured a range of clocks, including small units designed for use in large numbers and in tight quarters at the network edge. The two companies also used the Oscilloquartz modular IEEE 1588v2 PTP core grandmasters. The clocks are part of the OSA ePRTC system, which is designed to be a precise source of time with guaranteed holdover performance, which removes the risk of reliance on GNSS alone.

Said Jörg Urban, senior director, business development, Oscilloquartz, at ADVA, “We’re showing Tier 1 CSPs [communications services providers] how easy it is to distribute, monitor, and assure end-to-end timing that is fully resistant to GNSS outages. The precision and reliability that our technology offers will empower operators to support emerging applications in fields such as highly interactive augmented reality and self-driving vehicles.”

“We are rolling out some of the world’s first 5G networks and more than half of them include wider portfolio elements that our competitors cannot match,” added Adam Grodecki, customer solution architect, Nokia. “Our technology is solid and our end-to-end portfolio excels in the areas that matter most, including timing and synchronization. Thanks to the cooperation with ADVA on its Oscilloquartz technology we can very quickly adopt existing networks elements and pave the way to deploy the most cost-effective and accurate E2E [end to end] solutions for phase and frequency for LTE.A and 5G networks.”

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About the Author

Stephen Hardy

Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave

Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.

Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.

He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.

You can connect with Stephen on LinkedIn as well as Twitter.