What happens if a 5G synchronized base station fails?

Any failure to deliver precise and accurate time synchronization leads 5G services to systemic failure. A faulty synchronized base station can cause significant disruption as it interferes with the 5G operations of other operators and creates broader problems across networks.

What is 5G synchronization & why is it important?

Proper network synchronization is a prerequisite to excellent radio network performance. Some of the most compelling use cases for 5G, including industrial automation, depend on more accurate timing and will likely generate additional synchronization requirements in the near future.

Which synchronization requirements are relevant for 5G networks?

The two main types of synchronization requirements that are relevant for 5G networks are those that depend on the radio network operation and those that depend on the supported services (application-driven requirements).

Why is 5G synchronization so difficult?

And there are other advanced technologies that come with 5G, like dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS), carrier aggregation and massive MIMO—all requiring good timing to operate correctly. These technologies give rise to complexities in network synchronization not seen in earlier generation networks.

How much does 5G synchronization cost?

According to a report by Kearney (April 2020), the synchronization cost is estimated between 3-5% of the total 5G network rollout cost, i.e., $1.5-2.5 billion in 2027 and can in many cases require a large forklift upgrade of old infrastructure to enable PTP network synchronization.

Is GNSS-independent transport synchronization a mandatory requirement for 5G?

At the same time, individual country regulators such as the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS), are explicit that a GNSS-independent solution to transport synchronization is a mandatory requirement for operating the 5G network.