In the race for 5G delivery, Network Operators and Network Equipment Manufacturers are facing a challenge of creating both devices for transport delivery and networks and systems that provide consumers with the best capacity and quality of service (QoS).
Whilst some are pressing on and taking the lead in 5G developments, as others sit back and wait to see how things develop, the outcome for all is a new market with many opportunities for new technology deployments and consequently commercial optimism.
At a technical level, with this new market comes a need for a new 5G transport layer solution and its being voiced that this transport layer will be the key tool that will accelerate customer experience and unlock new opportunities. There are many areas of capability identified that will be essential to a fit for purpose 5G transport layer including:
High Capacity
Ultra-low Latency
Quality of Service
Dynamic Interconnectivity
Security
Automation
However when it comes to performance a key factor that will determine the success of a 5G rollout is Synchronization. The levels of synchronization accuracy and speed of data transfer that is required is increasing exponentially and the ITU-T has also developed their standards in response. They have enhanced the G.827x series to cover the next generation accuracy requirements and ensure that Ethernet systems are robust enough against varying transmission delays and other effects that can significantly disrupt the precise transfer of timing.
So how can Network Operators and NEM’s ensure that their devices, networks and systems deliver a fit for purpose transport layer that meets these standards throughout their R&D and deployment process?
In lab testing using Paragon-neo enables both Network Operators and NEM’s to test PTP and SyncE to the stringent requirements that the new ITU-T standards require. Additionally, interoperability of network equipment from different vendors will be essential in future 5G ecosystems, and the ability to gather real-time insight into the timing protocol implementations of devices and networks which Paragon-neo provides via the on-board proprietary PTP Field Verifier tool can potentially reduce days of troubleshooting to mere minutes.
High level synchronization testing will help prove QoS strategies by giving NO’s and NEM’s verification that their network system and devices are performing at the required standards, well before they are deployed into the market, removing any uncertainty and risk associated with the 5G network rollout.