Timing and synchronization of wireless base stations over packet networks

As telecommunications networks transition from TDM to IP packet technologies, network timing and synchronization will need to evolve to support the new IP-based infrastructure. Work is already underway within the standards bodies and working groups to develop equivalent mechanisms to support packet-based synchronization technologies. These may be at the Layer 1 level with physical layer synchronization, at the Layer 2 level with Ethernet switched technologies, or the Layer 3 level with IP routed technologies. In addition, to examining existing technologies, this paper presents a detail discussion of the emerging timing and synchronization technologies available for wireless base stations and mobile backhaul.