What’s So Different About IEEE 1588v2 Sync Over Microwave Backhaul?
- April 6, 2011
- 1588v2, Aviat Networks, Errol Binda, Microwave backhaul, Networks Synchronization, Senior Solutions Marketing Manager, Symmetricom, sync over microwave
The beauty of IEEE 1588v2 (i.e., Precision Time Protocol) synchronization is that it is a bookended solution. In theory, there is no need to worry about what is in between or underneath—from a Layer 1 transport perspective. While in principle this is accurate, there are a couple “unique” aspects of running 1588v2 over a microwave network that should be carefully considered in your deployment plans.
First, the infamous “last mile” is in reality typically many miles across multiple microwave radio hops—which may consist of a mix of linear, ring and hub-and-spoke configurations. Unfortunately, more hops introduce more packet transmission delay and delay variation over the backhaul—a potentially lethal mix for sync transport—the amount of which is proportional to the number of microwave hops. Careful design and engineering are required. On a bright note, Aviat Networks and Symmetricom recently validated <1.5ms delay could be achieved across 10 hops—well within the requirements for mobile backhaul.
Second, most advanced microwave systems now support Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM), a key benefit for microwave transport that allows the effective throughput of the microwave link to be dynamically changed to accommodate for radio path fading, typically due to changes in the weather. If bandwidth is reduced as a result of an ACM change, it is critical that advanced traffic and QoS management techniques be applied in the microwave systems to ensure that 1588v2 traffic (packets carrying timestamps) are given the highest/strict priority for transmission, and are not subject to delay or discard. On a brighter note, Aviat Networks and Symmetricom recently validated that 1588v2 could operate over a highly loaded (approaching 100 percent) microwave network running ACM.
In a nutshell, there are some unique considerations for running 1588v2 over microwave – but the outcome can be predictably bright with proper engineering.
Check out the Aviat Networks application note for more information on the Aviat Networks/Symmetricom partnership and 1588v2 network synchronization over microwave backhaul.
Errol Binda
Senior Solutions Marketing Manager, Aviat Networks