Huawei has announced that it has successfully developed the world's first 1588v2-compliant DSL prototype with nanosecond-level time synchronization accuracy, which is claimed to present a more cost-effective mobile backhaul choice for mobile operators to build out their 3G/4G networks worldwide.
According to Huawei, combining new DSL technologies with microcell and LTE base stations can extend the mobile network by using existing copper wire resources, protecting investments in the "last-mile" network and providing a cost-effective cellular backhaul. Leveraging Huawei's proprietary 'high-accuracy' time synchronization algorithm and complying with the IEEE 1588v2 standard, Huawei's time synchronization solution is said to make it possible to implement high-accuracy, nanosecond-level time synchronization over DSL lines. This offers an advantage over legacy DSL technologies, which can implement data backhaul of base stations, but do not offer high-accuracy time synchronization, thus falling short of cellular backhaul, it says.
Yang Zhirong, president of Huawei's Access Network Product Line said: "DSL remains the world's most widely used broadband access technology. Technical breakthroughs such as this one will enable operators to optimally utilize their abundant copper wire resources, as well as achieve quick provisioning of their 3G/4G services. The leading xDSL time synchronization prototype reflects Huawei's commitment to deliver a powerful and unique value proposition to customers."
1588v2, also known as Precision Time Protocol (PTP), is a packet-based time synchronization technology standardized by the IEEE. The technology is said to effectively address the issues facing GPS (Global Positioning System) clock synchronization, such as high investments and difficult installation, and is recognized as a crucial technology for network evolution from 2G to 3G/4G. The 1588v2 time synchronization algorithm is originally designed on the basis of symmetric models, and asymmetric transmission technologies such as ADSL cannot effectively support the 1588v2 protocol. Huawei says it has achieved high-accuracy DSL time synchronization, which is a breakthrough in this regard.
Huawei says its IPTime mobile backhaul solution, the only one in the industry with 1588v2 high-accuracy time synchronization, can be implemented over any media, including optical fiber, microwave and copper wire. Tests are claimed to have proven that the time synchronization accuracy of Huawei's prototype has achieved GPS level and is capable of mobile backhaul transmission in the 3G/4G era. The solution has already been servicing leading operators such as China Mobile, Vodafone and Telefónica.