Synchronization

Synchronization
SRAN5.0
Feature Parameter Description
Issue 01
Date 2010-10-15
HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.

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SingleRAN
Synchronization Contents
Contents
1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................1-1
1.1 Scope ............................................................................................................................................ 1-1
1.2 Intended Audience ........................................................................................................................ 1-1
1.3 Change History.............................................................................................................................. 1-1
2 Overview .....................................................................................................................................2-1
2.1 Clock Synchronization ................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Time Synchronization .................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.3 Frequency Synchronization........................................................................................................... 2-2
2.4 Difference Between Time Synchronization and Frequency Synchronization ............................... 2-3
3 Synchronization Techniques .................................................................................................3-1

3.1 Main Clock Synchronization Techniques....................................................................................... 3-1
3.2 Line Clock Synchronization ........................................................................................................... 3-1
3.3 GPS Clock Synchronization .......................................................................................................... 3-1
3.3.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.3.2 Advantages and Disadvantages of GPS Clock Synchronization ......................................... 3-2
3.4 BITS Clock Synchronization.......................................................................................................... 3-2
3.4.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................... 3-2
3.4.2 BITS Clock Synchronization Solution ................................................................................... 3-3
3.4.3 Advantages and Disadvantages of BITS Clock Synchronization ......................................... 3-4
3.5 Ethernet Clock Synchronization .................................................................................................... 3-4
3.5.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................... 3-4
3.5.2 Advantages and Disadvantages of Ethernet Clock Synchronization ................................... 3-5
3.6 IEEE1588 V2 Clock Synchronization ............................................................................................ 3-5
3.6.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................... 3-5
3.6.2 Application Modes of IEEE1588 V2 Clock Synchronization ................................................. 3-5
3.6.3 Advantages and Disadvantages of IEEE1588 V2 Clock Synchronization ........................... 3-7
4 SingleRAN Clock Solutions ...................................................................................................4-1

4.1 MBSC Clock Solution .................................................................................................................... 4-1
4.1.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................... 4-1
4.1.2 Clock Sources ...................................................................................................................... 4-1
4.1.3 Structure of Clock Synchronization Subsystem ................................................................... 4-2
4.1.4 Clock Synchronization Process ............................................................................................ 4-4
4.1.5 RFN Generation and Reception ........................................................................................... 4-6
4.2 MBTS Clock Solution .................................................................................................................... 4-7
4.2.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................... 4-7
4.2.2 Clock Sources ...................................................................................................................... 4-8
4.2.3 Clock Synchronization Process ............................................................................................ 4-9
4.3 MBTS Common Clock Solution................................................................................................... 4-10
Issue 01 (2010-10-15) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential i

Copyright © Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd
SingleRAN
Synchronization Contents
4.3.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................. 4-10

4.3.2 Common GPS Reference Clock ..........................................................................................4-11
4.3.3 Common BITS Reference Clock ........................................................................................ 4-12
4.3.4 Common E1/T1 Reference Clock......................................................................................... 4-1
4.3.5 Common IEEE1588 V2 Reference Clock............................................................................. 4-2
4.3.6 Common Synchronous Ethernet Reference Clock .............................................................. 4-4
5 Appendix Synchronization Process in the UTRAN .........................................................5-1

5.1 Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 5-1
5.2 Network Synchronization .............................................................................................................. 5-2
5.2.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................... 5-2
5.2.2 Network Synchronization Modes .......................................................................................... 5-2
5.2.3 Network Synchronization in the UTRAN .............................................................................. 5-2
5.3 Node Synchronization ................................................................................................................... 5-3
5.3.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................... 5-3
5.3.2 Node Synchronization Procedure......................................................................................... 5-3
5.4 Frame Synchronization ................................................................................................................. 5-4
5.4.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................... 5-4
5.4.2 Frame Timing Supervision .................................................................................................... 5-5
5.4.3 Frame Timing Adjustment ..................................................................................................... 5-6
5.5 Radio Interface Synchronization ................................................................................................... 5-7
5.5.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................... 5-7
5.5.2 Radio Interface Synchronization Procedure ......................................................................... 5-7
6 Parameters .................................................................................................................................6-1
7 Counters ......................................................................................................................................7-1
8 Glossary ......................................................................................................................................8-1
9 Reference Documents .............................................................................................................9-1
Issue 01 (2010-10-15) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential ii

SingleRAN
Synchronization 1 Introduction
1 Introduction
1.1 Scope
This document describes the synchronization feature of GSM and WCDMA, consisting of the basic
principles of clock synchronization, the main clock synchronization techniques, and the SingleRAN clock
solutions. The SingleRAN clock solutions consist of the clock solution on the MBSC side, the clock
solution on the MBTS side, and the common clock solution on the MBTS side.
 MBSC is a GSM+UMTS (GU) multi-mode base station controller of Huawei. In this document, the BSC refers to the
MBSC performing the functions of a GSM base station controller, the RNC refers to the MBSC performing the functions
of a UMTS base station controller.
 MBTS is a GU, GSM+LTE (GL), or UMTS+LTE (UL) multi-mode base station of Huawei. In this document, the GSM
BTS refers to the MBTS performing the functions of a GSM base station, the NodeB refers to the MBTS performing the
functions of a UMTS base station, and the LTE eNodeB refers to the MBTS performing the functions of a LTE base
station.
1.2 Intended Audience

This document is intended for:
 Personnel who are familiar with WCDMA and GSM basics
 Personnel who need to understand the synchronization feature of the SingleRAN system
 Personnel who work with Huawei products
1.3 Change History

This section provides information on the changes in different document versions.
There are two types of changes, which are defined as follows:
 Feature change: refers to the change in the synchronization feature.
 Editorial change: refers to the change in wording or the addition of the information that was not
described in the earlier version.
Document Issues
The document issues are as follows:
 01 (2010-10-15)
 Draft (2010-05-15)
01 (2010-10-15)
This is the document for the first commercial release of SRAN5.0.
Compared with issue Draft (2010-05-15) of SRAN5.0, this issue optimizes the description.
Draft (2010-05-15)
This is the draft for SRAN5.0.
Issue 01 (2010-10-15) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 1-1

SingleRAN
Synchronization 2 Overview
2 Overview
2.1 Clock Synchronization
Synchronization of clocks in the network is a critical issue for the digital communication network.
Synchronization of clocks means that the frequencies or phases of clock signals maintain a precise
relation. The purpose of synchronization is to ensure that the frequency or time difference between the
devices in a network is kept within an acceptable margin of error. This can prevent the transmission
performance in a digital communication system from deterioration, such as bit error and jitter, because
data is not correctly transmitted or received.
Clock synchronization consists of time synchronization (also known as phase synchronization) and
frequency synchronization.
The principle of clock synchronization is that a lower-level device is required to synchronize its clock with
the clock of an upper-level device. The base station controller needs to synchronize its clock with the
clock of the Core Network (CN), and the base station needs to synchronize its clock with the clock of the
base station controller.
2.2 Time Synchronization

Time signals are the clock signals used as a reference to the time of the year. It contains information
related to the year, month, day, hour, minute, and second. The time standard Coordinated Universal
Time (UTC) has been widely used in the telecom industry.
Time synchronization is the synchronization of the absolute time. Time synchronization throughout the
entire network means the synchronization of the clocks of all the devices in the network with the UTC,
that is, the start time of time signals is synchronized with the UTC. As shown in Figure 2-1, signal B is
time-synchronized with the UTC, whereas signal C and signal D are not time-synchronized with the
UTC.
Figure 2-1 Time synchronization
Phase time, also called phase, is the time delay between the actual signal and the ideal signal at a
significant instance (generally, a rising edge or a falling edge), as shown in Figure 2-2.

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Figure 2-2 Phase time
2.3 Frequency Synchronization

Frequency synchronization means that the frequencies of two signals change at the same rate or the
ratio of the frequency change period of one signal to that of the other is a fixed value. The phases and
frequencies of the two signals can be different. As shown in Figure 2-3, signals A, B, and C are
frequency-synchronized.
In frequency synchronization, the clock signals change periodically yet do not contain the time
information.
Figure 2-3 Frequency synchronization
Only frequency synchronization is required in GSM and WCDMA systems. The accuracy requirement is
0.05 per million (ppm).

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2.4 Difference Between Time Synchronization and Frequency

Synchronization
Figure 2-4 Time synchronization (phase synchronization) and frequency synchronization
As shown in Figure 2-4, the difference between time synchronization and frequency synchronization is
as follows:
 In phase synchronization, Watch A and Watch B always have the same time.
 In frequency synchronization, Watch A and Watch B have different times, but the time difference
between the two is always the same, for example, six hours.

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Synchronization 3 Synchronization Techniques
3 Synchronization Techniques
In a traditional clock synchronization solution, PDH and SDH networks are used to provide clocks for
GSM and WCDMA systems. After all-IP evolution, IP networks replace PDH and SDH networks to
provide clocks for GSM and WCDMA systems.
3.1 Main Clock Synchronization Techniques

The main clock synchronization techniques include:
 Line clock synchronization
 GPS clock synchronization
 BITS clock synchronization
 Ethernet clock synchronization
 IEEE1588 V2 clock synchronization
3.2 Line Clock Synchronization

All ports that support line clock recovery, such as STM-1, E1, and Ethernet ports, trace the uplink line
clock, perform synchronization at the physical layer, and then recover clock signals from the line code
streams. The recovered clock signals subsequently work as the reference clock of the system.
The Ethernet ports of the MBSC do not support line clock recovery.
Line clock synchronization provides a high-accuracy reference clock for the radio access network
without requiring additional equipment. Thus, the cost of network construction is greatly reduced. Line
clock is the most widely used synchronization technique.
3.3 GPS Clock Synchronization

3.3.1 Overview
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system provided by the United
States. It provides a high-accuracy reference clock, which can be utilized for time and frequency
synchronization.
The GPS clock synchronization solution generally uses an oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) and
the GPS satellite. On the MBSC/MBTS side, a GPS reference receiver obtains the UTC-based time from
the GPS satellite and recovers the 1PPS clock signals. The GPS reference receiver then compares the
recovered clock signals with the clock signals generated by the oscillator. Then, the clock signals are
frequency-locked and phase-locked through software to generate standard clock signals for the system.
Figure 3-1 shows the GPS clock synchronization solution.

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Figure 3-1 GPS clock synchronization solution
3.3.2 Advantages and Disadvantages of GPS Clock Synchronization

Advantages
 The GPS clock synchronization solution can be used for time synchronization and frequency
synchronization.
 The GPS clock synchronization solution can accurately provide the UTC-based time.
Disadvantages
 The GPS clock synchronization solution requires each base station to be equipped with a GPS
reference receiver, which increases the overall CAPEX.
 The GPS antenna requires the field angle of 45ºof the centrum to be clear from obstacles. Thus, the
antenna site selection becomes limited.
 Feeders need to be installed between the GPS antenna and the base station. In the case of a
complicated construction venue or building, feeder installation can be difficult. In addition, feeder
installation requires the consent of both the house owners and the property management authorities,
and thus the negotiation may be challenging.
3.4 BITS Clock Synchronization

3.4.1 Overview
A Building Integrated Timing Supply (BITS) device is mainly used to synchronize the devices in a fixed
network. It is a dedicated timing signal generator in a communications building or area. A BITS device
generally provides reference clocks for switches.
A BITS device can work as the stratum-3 slave clock, stratum-2 slave clock, and stratum-1 Primary
Reference Clock (PRC)/Local Primary Reference Clock (LRP) for a digital synchronization network.

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A BITS device can synchronize its clock with the primary reference clock and provide various timing
signals for the digital devices to be synchronized. The types of reference clock of a BITS device can be
the E1 link, 10 MHz, 5 MHz, 1 MHz, or 2048 KHz.
A BITS device may have different configurations based on the importance of the site. A high-end
configuration of the BITS device is rubidium clock + GPS or OXCO + GPS. The GPS module locks the
phase and frequency of the GPS 1PPS clock signals to ensure the long-term stability of the clock. The
rubidium clock or the OXCO ensures the short-term stability of the clock. In this manner, the stability of
the clock is guaranteed.
If a BITS device is not configured with GPS + crystal oscillator, it can lock the upper-level reference clock
through an E1 link.
3.4.2 BITS Clock Synchronization Solution

Figure 3-2 BITS clock synchronization solution
BITS clocks are generally layered according to the clock quality. A clock synchronization network adopts
a top-down design and provides master and slave synchronization clocks. The clock signals in the clock
synchronization network are distributed through transmission links in a layered and hierarchical manner.
Figure 3-2 shows the BITS clock synchronization solution.
 The BITS of the PRC/LPR stratum generally uses the rubidium clock + GPS satellite synchronization
mode. A cesium or hydrogen clock can be used to replace the rubidium clock.
 The BITS of the Synchronization Supply Unit (SSU) stratum can be the Transmit Network Clock (TNC)
or the Local Network Clock (LNC).
− BITS of the TNC stratum uses a rubidium clock as the local clock.
− BITS of the LNC stratum uses an OXCO as the local clock.
 The BITS of the SDH Equipment Clock (SEC) stratum usually uses a constant-temperature crystal
oscillator as the local clock. SEC specifies a requirement for the transmission device that carries the
source clock signals.
Transmission devices are usually deployed in ring topology. To prevent an upper-level clock device from
tracing the reference clock of a lower-level clock device in ring topology, the strata of reference clocks
are specified by the Synchronization Status Message (SSM) and are ranked in descending order of PRC,

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TNC, LNC, and SEC. A BITS device will not choose a reference clock whose stratum is lower than the
stratum of itself.
3.4.3 Advantages and Disadvantages of BITS Clock

Synchronization
Advantages
A BITS device adopts a high-accuracy local clock and a high-reliability phase-locked algorithm.
Therefore, the clock provided by the BITS device features high accuracy and stable phase even during
the time period when the upper-level reference clock is lost. Compared with other clock synchronization
solutions, the BITS solution provides higher quality of clock for the radio access network devices.
Disadvantages
BITS clock signals are transmitted through coaxial cables or differential cables, and thus the
transmission distance is relatively short. Therefore, a BITS device provides reference clock signals only
for the communication devices in the same telecommunication equipment room.
3.5 Ethernet Clock Synchronization

3.5.1 Overview
Ethernet clock synchronization is a technique using the code streams on an Ethernet link to recover the
clock. The Ethernet physical layer (PHY) chip has the clock recovery capability. It uses the clock and
data recovery (CDR) technique to extract the clock signals from the serial code streams sent from the
transmission end.
Figure 3-3 shows the principle of extracting clock signals from Ethernet. On the transmission side, the
clock module of the system generates a high-accuracy system clock and distributes it to all the Ethernet
ports. Then, the PHY chip on the Ethernet interface board transmits the clock signals to an Ethernet port
of the MBTS through an FE/GE link. On the reception side, the PHY chip on the Ethernet interface board
of the MBTS recovers the clock signals, performs frequency division, and then distributes the clock
signals to the other modules of the MBTS.
Figure 3-3 Principle of extracting clock signals from Ethernet
The Ethernet clock synchronization technique is a type of IP network clock solution. See the IP Network
Clock Feature Parameter Description of RAN for details.

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3.5.2 Advantages and Disadvantages of Ethernet Clock

Synchronization
Advantages
 This is a mature technique.
 Clock signals are recovered through the physical-layer code streams. The performance of the
recovered clock is reliable, and the quality of the recovered clock is similar to the quality of the clock
transmitted on an SDH link.
 The clock features high reliability and is not affected by the load fluctuation in the network.
Disadvantages
 There is a restriction on the deployment of a synchronous Ethernet. Clock signals are transmitted on
links. Therefore, all the links on the clock transmission path are required to support synchronous
Ethernet in principle.
 Clock extraction is not supported by all ports.
 This solution does not provide time synchronization.
3.6 IEEE1588 V2 Clock Synchronization

3.6.1 Overview
IEEE1588 V2 is a precise clock synchronization protocol. It is also called the precision time protocol
(PTP). As defined by the IEEE1588 V2 protocol, IEEE 1588 messages are transmitted between the
master and slave devices to calculate the time and frequency offsets. In this manner, the time and
frequency of the master and slave devices are synchronized. Currently, Huawei devices support only
frequency synchronization using IEEE1588 V2 clock synchronization.
The IEEE1588 V2 protocol involves the following key technical points:
 Best Master Clock (BMC) algorithm
The devices in the network may have different clock reference sources. Therefore, before clock
synchronization is performed, the tracing relationships of the master and slave clocks of the entire
network need to be determined. This algorithm prevents the occurrence of multiple or no master
clocks and free-run condition.
 Principle of master and slave synchronization
The IEEE1588 V2 protocol adopts the handshake method and uses a precise timestamp to implement
frequency and time synchronization.
 Transparent Clock (TC) model
The TC does not participate in the decision of the master and slave clocks. It only processes the delay.
When a packet is transmitted over the intermediate equipment, extra delay is generated. The TC
labels a timestamp when a packet is received and labels another timestamp when this packet is
transmitted. The time difference between the two timestamps is the time elapsed when this packet
traverses the TC.
The IEEE1588 V2 clock synchronization technique is a type of IP network clock solution and used in
Ethernet transport networks. See the IP Network Clock Feature Parameter Description of RAN for
details.
3.6.2 Application Modes of IEEE1588 V2 Clock Synchronization

The IEEE1588 V2 time synchronization solution has two application modes, as shown in Figure 3-4.

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 Boundary Clock (BC) mode

An external clock device on the core network side, or a Packet Transport Network (PTN) device such
as the MBTS on the radio access network side, provides clock signals for a PTN device through a
dedicated clock port (1PPS + serial port). In this case, the MBTS does not need to support the
IEEE1588 V2 protocol.
 TC mode
FE/GE ports are used to transmit clock signals. If the IEEE1588 V2 server provides time
synchronization, then all the devices on the clock transmission path are required to support the
IEEE1588 V2 protocol.
Figure 3-4 Application modes of IEEE1588 V2 time synchronization
According to the IEEE1588 V2 protocol, the clocks in the entire network are classified into TC, BC, and
Ordinary Clock (OC):
 The TC is used to transparently transmit clock signals in the network. It processes the delay generated
on the path transmitting IEEE1588 V2 packets.
 The BC is an intermediate clock device in the network. A BC has multiple IEEE1588 V2 ports. One
IEEE1588 V2 port of the BC works in slave mode and synchronizes the time and frequency of the
system clock with an upper-level device. Other IEEE1588 V2 ports of the BC work in master mode and
transmit synchronization information level by level.
 The OC is an initial device or a terminal device. Such a device has only one IEEE1588 V2 port and
works in slave or master mode. The MBTS functions only as an OC.
The IEEE1588 V2 frequency synchronization does not require a TC or BC, as shown in Figure 3-5.

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Figure 3-5 Application modes of IEEE1588 V2 frequency synchronization
3.6.3 Advantages and Disadvantages of IEEE1588 V2 Clock

Synchronization
Advantages
 The extracted clock signals are of high quality.
 The IEEE1588 V2 clock synchronization solution provides time synchronization and frequency
synchronization.
 IEEE1588 V2 is an open standard protocol.
 The clock used in the PTN can be smoothly upgraded from a synchronous Ethernet clock to an
IEEE1588 V2 clock.
Disadvantages
 The IEEE1588 V2 clock synchronization solution requires an IEEE1588 V2 server.
 If an IEEE1588 V2 server provides time synchronization, all the devices on the clock transmission path
are required to support the IEEE1588 V2 protocol. Deploying devices supporting the IEEE1588 V2
protocol on a large scale in the network is challenging.

SingleRAN
Synchronization 4 SingleRAN Clock Solutions
4 SingleRAN Clock Solutions

This chapter describes the clock solution on the MBSC side, the clock solution on the MBTS side, and
the common clock solution on the MBTS side.
The synchronization techniques discussed in this chapter are frequency synchronization techniques.
4.1 MBSC Clock Solution

This section describes the obtainable reference clocks of the MBSC, the structure of the clock
synchronization subsystem of the MBSC, the process of clock synchronization in the MBSC, and the
RNC Frame Number (RFN) generation and reception.
This section is related to the feature MRFD-210502 BSC/RNC Clock.
4.1.1 Overview
The clock synchronization subsystem of the MBSC provides system clock for the MBSC and provides
reference clocks for base stations.
The clock synchronization subsystem of the MBSC consists of the clock board and the clock processing
units of each subrack. The clock board of the MBSC can be the GCUa or GCGa board. Users can run
the SET CLKTYPE command to set the type of a clock board.
The number of MBSCs is greater than the number of CN devices, and many MBSCs are not located in
the central telecommunications room. Therefore, an MBSC generally obtains the reference clock from
an upper-level CN device through the transmission links. The accuracy of the local clock of an MBSC is
generally 4.6 ppm.
4.1.2 Clock Sources

The MBSC can use the following reference clocks: external clocks (BITS clock and external 8 kHz clock),
line clock, GPS clock, and local oscillator.
 External clocks
− BITS clock
The BITS clock signals are of three types: 2 MHz, 2 Mbit/s, and 1.5 Mbit/s. The 2 MHz and 2 Mbit/s
clock signals are E1 clock signals, and the 1.5 Mbit/s clock signals are T1 clock signals.
The BITS clock has two input modes: BITS0 and BITS1. BITS0 and BITS1 correspond to the
CLKIN0 and CLKIN1 ports on the clock board respectively. The MBSC obtains the BITS clock
signals through the CLKIN0 or CLKIN1 port.
The parameters REF2MCLKSW1 and REF2MCLKSW2 are used to enable the switch of BITS clock
on a transport interface board.
− External 8 kHz clock
Through the COM1 port on the clock board, the MBSC obtains 8 kHz standard clock signals from an
external device.
 Line clock
The line clock signals are extracted from the CN by an interface board of the MPS. The line clock
signals are transmitted to the clock board through the backplane channel of the MPS. The line clock
signals are phase-locked by the clock module to generate 8 kHz clock signals.
The line clock has two input modes, LINE0 and LINE1. LINE0 and LINE1 correspond to backplane
channel 1 and backplane channel 2 respectively.

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The parameters BACK8KCLKSW1 and BACK8KCLKSW2 are used to enable the switch of the line
clock on the backplane.
 GPS clock
The GPS clock provides 1PPS clock signals for the MBSC. The MBSC receives the GPS signals at
the ANT port on the GCGa board that is configured with a GPS satellite card. If the MBSC is
configured with the GCUa board that is not configured with a GPS satellite card, the GPS clock is not
applicable to the MBSC.
 Local oscillator
If the MBSC fails to obtain any external clock, the MBSC obtains its working clock signals from the
local oscillator.
You can run the MML command ADD CLKSRC to configure the parameter SRCT to set the clock source
type.
The reference clock has three operating modes:
 Automatic mode
Users need not specify the reference clock. The MBSC can automatically select the reference clock
with the highest priority.
 Manual mode
Users need to specify the reference clock. The MBSC cannot change the reference clock even when
the current specified reference clock is faulty.
 Self-oscillation mode
The self-oscillation mode is the initial operating mode of the MBSC clock.
Users can run the SET CLKMODE command to set the clock mode.
4.1.3 Structure of Clock Synchronization Subsystem

Figure 4-1 shows the structure of the clock synchronization subsystem.

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Figure 4-1 Structure of clock synchronization subsystem
The structure of the MBSC clock synchronization subsystem is described as follows:

 If the MPS is used to extract the clock signals, the clock signals can obtained in the following ways:
− The clock signals can be obtained by the port on the panel of the clock board.
− Theclock signals can be obtained by the port on the panel of an interface board that can extract line
clock signals. The interface board then transmits the clock signals to the clock board through the
backplane.
− The clock signals can be generated by the oscillator on the clock board.
 If the EPS is used to extract the clock signals, an interface board rather than an Ethernet interface
board is used to obtain the clock signals. The clock signals extracted by the EPS are transmitted to the
clock board through clock signal cables.
 If the MBSC is configured with the Gb interface board, the Gb interface board extracts clock signals
from either the backplane or the CN. The Gb interface board, however, cannot extract clock signals
from them simultaneously. If the PS services and CS services use different reference clocks and the
clock signals are extracted from the CN, the Gb interface board serves only the Gb interface. If the PS
services and CS services use different reference clocks, the CS services can use the reference clock
of the PS services only when the parameter REFUSELOCALCLK is set to YES.
Figure 4-2 shows the connections of the clock signal cables between the clock boards in the MPS and
the SCUa boards in the EPS when the MBSC is configured with active and standby clock boards and
SCUa boards.

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Figure 4-2 Connections of clock signal cables
The active and standby clock boards in the MPS are connected to the active and standby SCUa boards
in the EPS through the Y-shaped clock signal cables. This connection mode ensures that the system
clock of the MBSC works properly in the case of a single-point failure of the clock board, Y-shaped clock
signal cable, or SCUa board. In addition, the Y-shaped clock signal cables ensure the proper working of
the SCUa boards during the switchover of the active and standby clock boards.
In the MPS, the clock board transmits clock signals to the SCUa boards through the backplane channel. Therefore, the
Y-shaped clock signal cable is not required.
4.1.4 Clock Synchronization Process

The MBSC processes external clock signals before transmitting them to the boards in the MBSC. The
clock synchronization process varies slightly from one subrack to another.
MPS/EPS Clock Synchronization Process

The clock signals of the MPS/EPS are provided by the clock board. The clock board can extract clock
signals from an external device or extract line clock signals from the Iu-CS or A interface.
 Figure 4-3 shows the process of clock synchronization in the MPS/EPS when the clock board extracts
clock signals from an external device or from the GPS.
 Figure 4-4 shows the process of clock synchronization in the MPS/EPS when the clock board extracts
line clock signals from the Iu-CS or A interface.
In BM/TC separated configuration mode, the TransCoder (TC) subrack extracts the line clock signals from the A interface
and then the clock board in the BM subrack extracts the clock signals from the Ater interface.
The MPS and the EPS are collectively known as Basic Module (BM) subrack, and the TCS is known as TC subrack.

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Figure 4-3 MPS/EPS clock synchronization (1)
Figure 4-4 MPS/EPS clock synchronization (2)
As illustrated in Figure 4-3 and Figure 4-4, the process of clock synchronization in the MPS/EPS is as
follows:
1. The clock signals are obtained from the external reference clock.
If an external clock is used, external clock signals travel to the clock board through the port on the
panel of the clock board. If the GPS clock is used, clock signals travel to the clock board through the
GPS antenna port. When the external reference clock is the line clock, the clock signals travel to the
clock board through the backplane channel after extracted by the MPS or through clock signal cables
after extracted by the EPS.
2. The reference clock is phase-locked in the clock board to generate clock signals.
3. The clock board in the MPS transmits the clock signals to the SCUa board in the MPS through the
backplane and in each EPS through the clock signal output ports on the clock board.
4. The SCUa board in the MPS/EPS transmits the clock signals to the other boards in the same subrack
through the backplane.
The clock synchronization subsystem of the MBSC transmits reference clock signals to a base station through the Iub or
Abis interface board.

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TCS Clock Synchronization Process

Figure 4-5 shows the process of clock synchronization in the TCS when the TCS extracts line clock
signals from the A interface in A over TDM mode.
Figure 4-5 TCS clock synchronization
1. The TCS extracts line clock signals from the A interface. Then, the line clock signals are processed
by the A interface board to generate the required clock signals.
2. In the TCS, the A interface board transmits the clock signals to the SCUa board through the
backplane channel. Then, the SCUa board transmits the clock signals to the other boards in the TCS.
 In A over IP over Ethernet mode, the MBSC can extract only external clock signals.
 In A over IP over E1/T1 mode, the MBSC can extract only line clock signals.
4.1.5 RFN Generation and Reception

RFN is used to synchronize NodeBs with the MBSC. The node synchronization frames from the MBSC
to the NodeBs carry the RFN information.
Figure 4-6 shows the process of RFN generation and reception. This figure takes the GCUa board as an
example.

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Figure 4-6 Process of RFN generation and reception
The clock board in the MPS sends the 1PPS signals and synchronization time packets to the SCUa
board in each subrack. The SCUa board in each subrack then transmits the 1PPS signals and
synchronization time packets to the other boards in the same subrack. The boards generate the required
RFN signals based on the received 1PPS signals and synchronization time packets. The 1PPS signals
can be generated by the clock board.
4.2 MBTS Clock Solution

This section describes the reference clocks and clock synchronization process of the MBTS.
This section is related to the feature MRFD-210501 BTS/NodeB Clock.
4.2.1 Overview
In GSM and WCDMA networks, base stations do not need to be synchronized with each other. Each
base station can obtain the reference clock from the MBSC. The clock accuracy requirement of a base
station is generally 0.05 ppm.
Clock synchronization provides the reference clock for the normal operation of the MBTS and generates
NodeB Frame Number (BFN) or GSM FN (GFN). The BFN or GFN is the basis for frame synchronization.

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The MBTS obtains the reference clock through the clock synchronization for the internal frame
synchronization.
4.2.2 Clock Sources

The MBTS can use the following reference clocks: Iub/Abis clock, GPS clock, BITS clock, IP clock, and
internal clock. Users can run the SET CLKMODE command to set the reference clock of a NodeB or the
SET BTSCLK command to set the reference clock of a BTS.
Iub/Abis Clock
The MBTS is synchronized with the line reference clock of its upper-level NE such as the MBSC.
The synchronization with the Abis clock (also known as the BSC tracing clock) can be enabled by setting
ClkType to TRCBSC_CLK, and the synchronization with the Iub clock can be enabled by setting
CLKSRC to LINE. In line clock synchronization, the MBTS receives the clock signals from an
upper-level NE through the E1/T1/Ethernet port. Clock signals must be available on the E1/T1/Ethernet
link for the MBTS to obtain the line reference clock.
GPS Clock
If there is no upper-level clock or the upper-level clock is unstable, the GPS clock can be used as the
reference clock of an MBTS.
The synchronization with the GPS clock for a BTS can be enabled by setting ClkType to TRCGPS_CLK,
and the synchronization with the GPS clock for a NodeB can be enabled by setting CLKSRC to
GPSCARD. In GPS clock synchronization, the GPS clock serves as the reference clock of the MBTS
and a GPS satellite card is required. In the case of a DBS3900/BTS3900/BTS3900A, the Universal
Satellite card and Clock Unit (USCU) needs to be configured.
For a BTS, the parameter CFGFLAG must be set to YES. The parameters relevant to this clock
synchronization mode are listed below:
 GPSORGLONASS: specifies whether the GPS clock or the Glonass clock works as the reference
clock when two satellite cards are used.
 ANTENNALONG: specifies the length of the feeder cable, which connects the GPS satellite card to
the antenna. The actual delay of the signals transmitted on the feeder can be calculated based on the
length of the feeder cable, thus improving the timing accuracy of the GPS satellite card.
 ANTENNAPOWERSWITCH: specifies whether to supply power to the GPS antenna. When the GPS
antenna requires power supply, this parameter needs to be set to SENDPOWER. When the GPS
antenna does not require power supply, this parameter needs to be set to NOPOWER.
The GPS clock signals are processed and synchronized as follows:
The GPS antenna receives and transmits the GPS satellite signals to the GPS satellite card for
processing. The GPS satellite card then forwards the signals from the USCU to the main control board.
The main control board synchronizes the clock signals with the MBTS clock signals.
A GPS antenna can simultaneously trace up to eight satellites.
BITS Clock
The synchronization with the BITS clock for a BTS can be enabled by setting ClkType to EXTSYN_CLK,
and the synchronization with the BITS clock for a NodeB can be enabled by setting CLKSRC to BITS. In
BITS clock synchronization, the external BITS clock works as the reference clock of the MBTS. In the
case of a DBS3900/BTS3900/BTS3900A, the USCU must be configured.
The BITS clock signals are processed and synchronized as follows:

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The BITS clock output port is connected to the BITS clock input port on the USCU. The master clock
module of the MBTS performs phase-locking and frequency division on the received clock signals to
generate clock signals required by the MBTS.
IP Clock
The MBTS supports IP clock synchronization. In an all-IP network, the MBTS can obtain clock signals
from the IP network. IP clocks can be classified into the synchronous Ethernet clock and the IEEE1588
V2 clock.
The IP network clock signals are processed and synchronized as follows:
The MBTS obtains clock signals from the FE/GE link. After local selection or frequency division, the
signals are sent to the clock module in the main control board as the reference clock. The clock module
in the main control board then converts the signals through phase-locking to generate clock signals
required by the MBTS. The 10 Mbit/s FE port of the MBTS does not support synchronization with the
Ethernet clock.
Internal Clock
The internal clock of the MBTS is generated by the main control board. The internal clock of the MBTS
can work in free-run mode to keep the MBTS running if the external reference clock is disabled or lost.
The enhanced stratum 3 OCXO with high accuracy works as the system clock of the MBTS. The OCXO
can ensure the normal operation of the MBTS for up to 90 days.
4.2.3 Clock Synchronization Process

The clock subsystem of the MBTS provides the timing synchronization function for the transmission
subsystem, baseband subsystem, and RF subsystem of the MBTS. The MBTS supports multiple
reference clocks. The clock module in the WMPT/GTMU implements clock synchronization for the
MBTS. This module distributes timing signals for the entire MBTS.
Figure 4-7 NodeB clock synchronization process
As shown in Figure 4-7, the process of clock synchronization in the NodeB is as follows:
If the external reference clock is the line clock, the WMPT extracts the clock signals from the
transmission links over the Iub interface. If the external reference clock is the GPS clock, the GPS

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antenna receives and transmits the GPS clock signals to the GPS satellite card for processing before
forwarding them to the WMPT. If the external reference clock is the BITS clock, the BITS port on the
USCU receives and forwards the clock signals to the WMPT.
2. The WMPT delivers the clock signals to its clock module.
3. In the WMPT, the clock module performs phase-locking and frequency division on the clock signals,
and then generates various clock signals required by the NodeB.
4. The WMPT distributes the clock signals to the other boards of the NodeB. Note that the clock signals
are forwarded to the MRRU/MRFU through the WBBP.
Figure 4-8 BTS clock synchronization process
As shown in Figure 4-8, the process of clock synchronization in the BTS is as follows:
If the external reference clock is the line clock, the GTMU extracts the clock signals from the
transmission links over the Abis interface. If the external reference clock is the GPS clock, the GPS
antenna receives and sends the GPS clock signals to GPS satellite card for processing before
forwarding them to the GTMU. If the external reference clock is the BITS clock, the BITS port on the
USCU receives and forwards the clock signals to the GTMU.
2. The GTMU delivers the clock signals to its clock module.
3. In the GTMU, the clock module performs phase-locking and frequency division on the clock signals,
and then generates various clock signals required by the BTS.
4. The GTMU distributes the clock signals to the other boards of the BTS.
If the MBTS is configured with the Universal BaseBand Radio Interface Board (UBRI), the clock signals are forwarded to
the MRRU/MRFU through the UBRI.
4.3 MBTS Common Clock Solution

4.3.1 Overview
This section describes the common clock solution on the MBTS side. The common clocks involved are
the GSM and UMTS (GU) common reference clock, GSM and LTE (GL) common reference clock, and
UMTS and LTE (UL) common reference clock.

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The common clock solution enables two base stations using different radio access technologies (RATs)
to share the same clock source. In a common clock scenario, only one set of clock equipment is required.
After the base station using a RAT obtains the reference clock, this base station shares its reference
clock with the base station using a different RAT. For example, a BTS can share its reference clock with
an eNodeB, and an eNodeB can also share its reference clock with a BTS. If the base station using a
RAT uses the reference clock shared by the base station using a different RAT, the reference clock of the
former base station needs to be configured as the peer reference clock. For example, if a BTS uses the
reference clock shared by an eNodeB, the parameter ClkType of the BTS needs to be set to
PEER_CLK.
The GU/GL/UL common clock solution is supported by Huawei MBTSs that share a common baseband
unit (BBU). The common clock solution corresponds to the features MRFD-221601 Multi-mode BS
Common Reference Clock (NodeB) and MRFD-211601 Multi-mode BS Common Reference Clock
(GBTS).
When the base stations using different RATs share a BBU, the boards of the base stations are installed in the same BBU.
4.3.2 Common GPS Reference Clock

As shown in Figure 4-9, Figure 4-10 and Figure 4-11, the Universal Satellite card and Clock Unit (USCU)
of the MBTS receives the GPS clock signals and then distributes them to the base stations using
different RATs as the reference clock. In such a case, only one GPS antenna system is required. This
reduces deployment costs.
Figure 4-9 Example of a common GPS reference clock for GU

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Figure 4-10 Example of a common GPS reference clock for GL
Figure 4-11 Example of a common GPS reference clock for UL
4.3.3 Common BITS Reference Clock

As shown in Figure 4-12, Figure 4-13, and Figure 4-14, the USCU of the MBTS receives the BITS clock
signals and then distributes them to the base stations using different RATs as the reference clock. In
such a case, only one set of external equipment is required. This reduces deployment costs.

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Figure 4-12 Example of a common BITS reference clock for GU
Figure 4-13 Example of a common BITS reference clock for GL
Figure 4-14 Example of a common BITS reference clock for UL

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4.3.4 Common E1/T1 Reference Clock

As shown in Figure 4-15, Figure 4-16 and Figure 4-17, the base station using a RAT obtains the
reference clock from an E1/T1 link. The base station using a different RAT synchronizes its clock signals
with this reference clock through the backplane of the multi-mode BBU. In this scenario, only one clock
server needs to be configured.
Figure 4-15 Example of a common E1/T1 reference clock for GU
Figure 4-16 Example of a common E1/T1 reference clock for GL
Figure 4-17 Example of a common E1/T1 reference clock for UL

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To use a common E1/T1 reference clock, the following conditions must be met:
 The base station using a RAT needs to be connected to the transport network through an E1/T1 link,
on which clock signals are transmitted.
 This base station obtains the E1/T1 reference clock through the Abis/Iub/S1 interface.
 The base station using a different RAT can use this synchronous E1/T1 reference clock through the
backplane channels of the multi-mode BBU.
Table 4-1 describes the typical deployment scenarios of a common E1/T1 reference clock.
Table 4-1 Typical deployment scenarios of a common E1/T1 reference clock
Deployment Scenario Description
Common E1/T1 When TDM over E1/T1 transmission is used over the Abis interface and IP
reference clock on the over FE/GE transmission is used over the S1 interface, the eNodeB can
BTS side obtain the reference clock from the E1/T1 link of the Abis interface.
When TDM over E1/T1 transmission is used over the Abis interface and IP
over FE/GE transmission is used over the Iub interface, the NodeB can obtain
the reference clock from the E1/T1 link of the Abis interface.
Common E1/T1 When TDM over E1/T1 transmission is used over the Iub interface and IP over
reference clock on the GE transmission is used over the S1 interface, the eNodeB can obtain the
NodeB side reference clock from the E1/T1 link of the Iub interface.
When the Iub and Abis interfaces use common transmission (co-transmission)
based on IP over E1/T1 or IP-based hybrid transmission on the MBTS side,
the BTS can obtain the reference clock from the E1/T1 link of the Iub interface.
 The Universal Transmission Processing unit (UTRP) in GSM mode does not support E1/T1 clock synchronization.
 The UTRP in LTE/UMTS mode supports E1/T1 clock synchronization.
 For details about co-transmission, see the Common Transmission Feature Parameter Description of the SingleRAN
4.3.5 Common IEEE1588 V2 Reference Clock

The IP transport network supports the IEEE1588 V2 clock synchronization. As shown in Figure 4-18,
Figure 4-19 and Figure 4-20, the base station using a RAT is configured with an IEEE1588 V2 clock
client and connected to the transport network through an FE/GE port to obtain the IEEE1588 V2
reference clock. The clock module of this base station phase-locks the obtained reference clock and
then transmits the clock to the base station using a different RAT through the backplane channels of the
multi-mode BBU. The base station using a different RAT synchronizes its clock with this phase-locked
reference clock. In this solution, only one set of an IEEE1588 V2 clock server and a client is required.

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Figure 4-18 Example of a common IEEE1588 V2 reference clock for GU
Figure 4-19 Example of a common IEEE1588 V2 reference clock for GL

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Figure 4-20 Example of a common IEEE1588 V2 reference clock for UL
 The multicast IEEE1588 V2 clock is not supported in GU, GL, and UL co-transmission through FE port interconnection.
 A BTS supports the common IEEE1588 V2 clock only when it has a GTMUb board.
Table 4-2 describes the typical deployment scenarios of a common IEEE1588 V2 reference clock.
Table 4-2 Typical deployment scenarios of a common IEEE1588 V2 reference clock
Deployment Description
Scenario
Common IEEE1588 When the Abis and S1 interfaces use IP-based co-transmission on the MBTS
V2 reference clock on side and the IP network supports IEEE1588 V2 clock synchronization, the BTS
the eNodeB side can obtain the reference clock from the LMPT through the backplane channels
of the multi-mode BBU.
When the Iub and S1 interfaces use IP-based co-transmission on the MBTS
side and the IP network supports IEEE1588 V2 clock synchronization, the
NodeB can obtain the reference clock from the LMPT through the backplane
channels of the multi-mode BBU.
Common IEEE1588 When the Iub and Abis interfaces use IP-based co-transmission on the MBTS
V2 reference clock on side and the IP network supports IEEE1588 V2 reference clock, the BTS can
the NodeB side obtain the reference clock from the WMPT through the backplane channels of
the multi-mode BBU.
4.3.6 Common Synchronous Ethernet Reference Clock

The IP transport network support Ethernet clock synchronization. As shown in Figure 4-21, Figure 4-22
and Figure 4-23, the base station using a RAT obtains a synchronous Ethernet reference clock from the
FE/GE link. The base station using a different RAT synchronizes its clock with this synchronous Ethernet
reference clock through the backplane channels of the multi-mode BBU.

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Figure 4-21 Example of a common synchronous Ethernet reference clock for GU
Figure 4-22 Example of a common synchronous Ethernet reference clock for GL
Figure 4-23 Example of a common synchronous Ethernet reference clock for UL
Table 4-3 describes the typical deployment scenarios of a synchronous Ethernet reference clock.

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Table 4-3 Typical deployment scenarios of a synchronous Ethernet reference clock

Deployment Scenario Description
Common synchronous When the Abis and S1 interfaces use IP-based co-transmission on the MBTS
Ethernet reference side and the IP network supports Ethernet clock synchronization, the BTS can
clock on the eNodeB obtain the reference clock from the LMPT or LTE UTRP through the
side backplane channels of the multi-mode BBU.
When the Iub and S1 interfaces use IP-based co-transmission on the MBTS
side and the IP network supports Ethernet clock synchronization, the NodeB
can obtain the reference clock from the LMPT or LTE UTRP through the
backplane channels of the multi-mode BBU.
Common synchronous When the Iub and Abis interfaces use IP-based co-transmission on the MBTS
Ethernet reference side and the IP network supports synchronous Ethernet clock, the BTS can
clock on the NodeB obtain the reference clock from the WMPT or UMTS UTRP through the
side backplane channels of the multi-mode BBU.

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Synchronization 5 Appendix Synchronization Process in the UTRAN
5 Appendix Synchronization Process in the UTRAN

5.1 Overview
The synchronization process in the UTRAN consists of:
 Network synchronization
 Node synchronization
 Frame synchronization
 Radio interface synchronization
Figure 5-1 shows the relationships among synchronization functions.
Figure 5-1 Relationships among synchronization functions
Network synchronization is responsible for the distribution of clocks and allows the clocks to operate at
the same frequency in different network nodes.
Node synchronization is responsible for the measurement of phase difference between the RNC and the
NodeB. Node synchronization is the basis for the numbering of frames between the RNC and the NodeB
and for frame timing. The correct operation of node synchronization is dependent on the proper
operation of network synchronization.
Frame synchronization is responsible for the numbering and transmission of frames between the RNC
and the NodeB at the correct time, thus compensating for transmission delay and processing delay on
the RNC-NodeB path. The correct operation of frame synchronization within the radio network
subsystem (RNS) is dependent on the proper operation of node synchronization.
Radio interface synchronization is responsible for the alignment of frames between the NodeB and the
UE.
For the synchronization process in the UTRAN, see 3GPP TS 25.402.

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5.2 Network Synchronization

5.2.1 Overview
The network synchronization function allocates the common time and frequency to all the network
elements (NEs).
A synchronization network is a network that provides clock signals to traffic networks. The
synchronization network is composed of nodes that are connected through synchronization links.
Network synchronization involves:
 Clock selection
 Clock generation
 Clock holdover
 Clock distribution within a network node
5.2.2 Network Synchronization Modes

Figure 5-2 Network synchronization modes
The network synchronization modes shown in Figure 5-2 are described as follows:
 Plesiochronous synchronization
In a plesiochronous network, each node has an independent clock.
 Master-slave synchronization
Master-slave synchronization is the most commonly used synchronization mode. A master-slave
synchronization network has a single PRC, to which all other clocks on the network are locked.
 Mutual synchronization
In a mutual synchronization network, there is no PRC. Each clock can receive the clock signals from
another.
5.2.3 Network Synchronization in the UTRAN

Network synchronization in the UTRAN synchronizes the NEs in the UTRAN either with the transport
network (for example, the SDH/PDH network or IP network) or with an external high-stability reference
clock (such as the GPS). The purpose is to ensure the stability of clocks and to meet the requirements of
the Iub and Iu interfaces.
Clock signals are distributed in a master-slave manner within the UTRAN, as shown in Figure 5-3.

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Figure 5-3 Network synchronization in the UTRAN
The RNC and NodeB need to synchronize the frequencies of their internal timing units (TUs) with a
common and traceable reference clock. The TU generates accurate and stable clock signals, distributes
them within the RNC or NodeB, and provides them for the outgoing PDH/SDH links or the radio interface.
In IP over Iub transmission mode, the RNC also generates time stamped IP packets.
5.3 Node Synchronization

5.3.1 Overview
The node synchronization function measures and compensates for the time offset between the RNC and
the NodeB and provides identical time reference for different network nodes.
The task of node synchronization is to measure the phase difference between the RFN counter and the
BFN counter. The measurement result is used in frame synchronization to minimize delays and buffer
sizes on the network.
5.3.2 Node Synchronization Procedure

Figure 5-4 shows the procedure for node synchronization between the RNC and the NodeB.

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Figure 5-4 Node synchronization procedure
Table 5-1 Parameters involved in node synchronization

Parameter Description
t1 RFN indicating the time when the RNC sends a DL Node Synchronization control frame to
the transport network layer
t2 BFN indicating the time when the NodeB receives the DL Node Synchronization control
frame from the transport network layer
t3 BFN indicating the time when the NodeB sends a UL Node Synchronization control frame
to the transport network layer
t4 RFN indicating the time when the RNC receives the UL Node Synchronization control
frame from the transport network layer
The node synchronization procedure is described as follows:

1. To measure the time offset between the RNC and the NodeB, the RNC sends the NodeB a DL Node
Synchronization control frame, including the time parameter t1 (RFN).
2. After receiving the DL Node Synchronization control frame, the NodeB responds with a UL Node
Synchronization control frame, including the time parameters t2 (BFN), t3 (BFN), and t1.
3. After receiving the UL Node Synchronization control frame, the RNC records the time t4 (RFN).
Then, the RNC calculates (t2 - t1) + (t4 - t3) to obtain the round trip delay (RTD) between the RNC and the
NodeB.
5.4 Frame Synchronization

5.4.1 Overview
The frame synchronization function synchronizes and monitors the data frames transmitted between
RNCs and between the RNC and the NodeB. Frame synchronization helps reduce the buffering time,
lower the requirement for the buffer sizes of network nodes, and thus minimize the transmission delay in
the UTRAN.

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In the downlink, the RNC needs to perform frame synchronization before sending data frames on the
radio interface. With frame synchronization, a common data frame reference, that is, a Connection
Frame Number (CFN), is provided between a transport channel on the UTRAN side and a transport
channel on the UE side to identify the transmission sequence of a Transport Block Set (TBS).
Each TBS has a CFN. The CFN at the transmission end must be the same as that at the reception end.
This consistency is ensured through the mapping between the CFN and the System Frame Number
(SFN) of the cell, considering that the CFN is not transmitted on the radio interface whereas the SFN is
transmitted on the broadcast channel.
5.4.2 Frame Timing Supervision

The QoS of radio links is affected if data frames from the RNC arrive at the NodeB too early or too late.
The frame synchronization supervision function compares the actual arrival time of data frames with the
supervision window. This function ensures that data frames arrive at the NodeB within a proper
supervision window by supervising and adjusting the Time of Arrival (TOA) of data frames on the Iub and
Iur interfaces.
The NodeB is responsible for supervising the TOA of downlink data frames, and the RNC is responsible
for supervising the TOA of uplink data frames. A supervision window is defined for the uplink and another
is defined for the downlink. Frame synchronization ensures that data frames arrive within the
corresponding supervision window. When a transport channel is established, a supervision window is
allocated to this channel. Figure 5-5 shows downlink TOA supervision. Uplink TOA supervision is similar
to downlink TOA supervision and therefore it is not further discussed in this document.
Figure 5-5 Downlink TOA supervision
Table 5-2 Parameters involved in downlink TOA supervision

TOAE Specifies the earliest time that the RNC can send a data frame to the NodeB.
TOAWS Specifies the start point of the optimum data receiving window, that is, the
desired window.
TOAWE Specifies the end point of the desired window.
If a data frame arrives before this point, the TOA is greater than zero. If a data
frame arrives after this point, the TOA is smaller than zero.

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tproc Specifies the time taken to process a data frame by the physical layer of the
NodeB before transmission on the air interface.
LTOA Specifies the latest time that the RNC can send a data frame to the NodeB.
The terms shown in Figure 5-5 are defined as follows:

 Too early
If a data frame sent by the RNC arrives at the NodeB before the TOAE, it indicates that the RNC sends
the data frame too early, and thus the NodeB does not have a sufficient buffer area to receive this data
frame.
 Early
If a data frame sent by the RNC arrives at the NodeB before the desired window, it indicates that the
RNC sends the data frame earlier than expected.
 OK
If a data frame sent by the RNC arrives at the NodeB within the desired window, it indicates that the
RNC sends the data frame at a proper time.
 Late
If a data frame sent by the RNC arrives at the NodeB after the desired window and before the LTOA, it
indicates that the RNC sends the data frame later than expected.
 Too late
If a data frame sent by the RNC arrives at the NodeB after the LTOA, it indicates that the RNC sends
the data frame too late and the NodeB does not have time for frame processing, such as channel
coding and spreading. As a result, the data frame cannot be sent to the UE in time.
Using the TOA supervision function, the RNC adjusts the timing for transmitting a data frame to meet the
requirement of the desired window established at the NodeB. If data frames sent by the RNC arrive at
the NodeB outside the desired window, the NodeB prompts the RNC to advance or postpone the
transmission of data frames.
5.4.3 Frame Timing Adjustment

In the case of downlink data transmission, the data reception time of the lower-level network node, for
example the NodeB, is taken as the reference time to adjust the data transmission time of the
upper-level network node, for example the RNC. In the case of uplink data transmission, the receiving
window in the upper-level network node is adjusted.
If a data frame transmitted on the transport channel arrives at the NodeB or RNC outside the desired
window, the frame timing adjustment function responds with a Timing Adjustment control frame,
including the CFN and TOA. The RNC then adjusts the timing based on the Timing Adjustment control
frame.
Figure 5-6 shows an example of frame timing adjustment. In this example, a data frame sent by the RNC
arrives at the NodeB outside the receiving window and the TOA is smaller than zero. In this case, the
NodeB responds with a Timing Adjustment control frame, prompting the RNC to advance data
transmission.

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Figure 5-6 An example of frame timing adjustment
5.5 Radio Interface Synchronization

5.5.1 Overview
The radio interface synchronization function monitors the synchronization status of radio links. Data can
be transmitted and received in the uplink and downlink in sequence only after the synchronization is
complete. When multiple users transmit data simultaneously in a network, this function schedules and
coordinates them for transmission.
One purpose of radio interface synchronization is to ensure that the radio signals sent over the radio
interface arrive at a UE within an ideal time range. For example, in the case of a soft handover, this
function ensures that multipath signals simultaneously arrive at the UE. The other purpose is to ensure
the orthogonality between physical channels.
5.5.2 Radio Interface Synchronization Procedure

In the process of establishing a radio link, the radio link can be used by the UE only after the
synchronization is complete. Figure 5-7 shows the radio interface synchronization procedure during the
establishment of a single radio link.

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Figure 5-7 Radio interface synchronization procedure
 Table 5-3 describes the parameters involved in radio interface synchronization.

Table 5-3 Parameters involved in radio interface synchronization
DOFF Specifies the default DPCH offset value, containing the frame offset and chip offset.
When the first radio link is established for a UE, the frame offset and chip offset are
defined for the radio link.
Frame offset Specifies the mapping between the SFN and the CFN.
The frame offset involved in radio interface synchronization refers to the frame offset of
the DL DPCH relative to the P-CCPCH at both the NodeB and the UE.
Chip offset Specifies the chip offset of the DL DPCH relative to the P-CCPCH.
The radio interface synchronization procedure is described as follows:

1. The UE sends an RRC CONNECTION REQUEST message to the RNC.
2. The RNC obtains the DOFF. If the RNC decides to allocate a radio link, the RNC also calculates the
frame offset and chip offset.
3. The RNC sends the offset information to the NodeB through a RADIO LINK SETUP REQUEST
message.
4. The NodeB calculates the downlink transmission time of the NodeB based on the offset information
received.

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5. After the RNC receives the RADIO LINK SETUP RESPONSE message from the NodeB, the RNC
completes Iub synchronization. Then, the NodeB starts downlink transmission.
6. The RNC sends the DOFF and the frame offset to the UE through an RRC CONNECTION SETUP
message.
7. Based on the DOFF, the UE calculates the frame offset and chip offset, which are used for
calculating the offset of the CFN relative to the SFN. Then, the UE performs downlink chip
synchronization and frame synchronization based on the information received on the P-CCPCH.
After the downlink synchronization is complete, the UE starts uplink transmission.
8. The NodeB performs uplink chip synchronization and frame synchronization. After the uplink
synchronization is complete, the NodeB notifies the RNC of uplink synchronization completeness
through a RADIO LINK SETUP RESTORE INDICATION message. After the radio link
synchronization is complete, the radio link is available for use.

SingleRAN
Synchronization 6 Parameters
6 Parameters
Table 6-1 MBSC Parameter description
Parameter NE MML Description
ID
REF2MCL BSC6900 SET Meaning: Switch of panel BITS1(2M)
KSW1 CLK(Optional)
GUI Value Range: OFF(OFF), ON(ON)
Actual Value Range: OFF, ON
Unit: None
Default Value: OFF
REF2MCL BSC6900 SET Meaning: Switch of panel BITS2(2M)
KSW2 CLK(Optional)
Unit: None
Default Value: OFF
BACK8KC BSC6900 SET Meaning: Switch of backplane LINE1
LKSW1 CLK(Optional)
Unit: None
Default Value: OFF
BACK8KC BSC6900 SET Meaning: Switch of backplane LINE2
LKSW2 CLK(Optional)
Unit: None
Default Value: OFF
SRCT BSC6900 ADD Meaning: Type of the clock source.
CLKSRC(Mandat
ory) GUI Value Range: BITS1-2MHZ(2MHZ
Building Integrated Timing Supply
system 1), BITS2-2MHZ(2MHZ
system 2), BITS1-2MBPS(2MBPS
system 1), BITS2-2MBPS(2MBPS
system 2), 8KHZ(8KHZ), GPS(Globe
Positioning System),
LINE1_8KHZ(8KHZ line1),
LINE2_8KHZ(8KHZ line2),
BITS1-1.5MBPS(1.5MBPS Building
Integrated Timing Supply system 1),
BITS2-1.5MBPS(1.5MBPS Building
Integrated Timing Supply system 2)
Actual Value Range: BITS1-2MHZ,
BITS2-2MHZ, BITS1-2MBPS,
BITS2-2MBPS, GPS, 8KHZ,

SingleRAN

ID
LINE1_8KHZ, LINE2_8KHZ,
BITS1-1.5MBPS, BITS2-1.5MBPS
Unit: None
Default Value: None
MODE BSC6900 SET Meaning: Working mode of the system
CLKMODE(Mand clock. Working modes of the system
atory) clock are as follows:
MANUAL: In this mode, you must
specify a clock source and prevent the
switching of the clock source.
AUTO: In this mode, you do not need to
specify a clock source and the system
automatically selects the clock source
with the highest priority.
FREE: In this mode, the crystal
oscillator of board is used.
GUI Value Range: MANUAL(Manual

Handover), AUTO(Auto Handover),
FREE(Free-run)
Actual Value Range: MANUAL, AUTO,
FREE
Unit: None
Default Value: AUTO
CLKTYPE BSC6900 SET Meaning: Type of the clock board
CLKTYPE(Manda
tory) GUI Value Range: GCUa, GCGa
Actual Value Range: GCUa, GCGa
Unit: None
Default Value: GCUa
REFUSEL BSC6900 SET Meaning: This parameter applies only
OCALCLK CLK(Optional) to the Gb interface boards. When the
clock sources of the SGSN and the
MSC are different, set this parameter to
Yes to enable the SGSN to use the
clock source that is the same as the
clock source of the MSC.
GUI Value Range: NO(NO), YES(YES)

Actual Value Range: NO, YES
Unit: None
Default Value: NO
Table 6-2 MBTS Parameter description

ID
ClkType BSC6900 SET Meaning: Clock mode of the BTS.

SingleRAN

ID
BTSCLK(Mandat If this parameter is set to INT_CLK, the
ory) BTS does not track any external clock.
The internal high precision clock works
in free-run mode.
If this parameter is set to
TRCBSC_CLK, the BTS tracks the
clock signals received from the BSC.
If this parameter is set to EXCLK, the
BTS tracks the clock signals received
from the external input clock.
If this parameter is set to IP_TIME, the
BTS shakes hands through the IP
network with the IP clock server for
synchronization.
IP_TRANSFER, the BTS extracts the
clock from an E1 when there is not an
IP clock after the BTS upgrades the
transmission mode from E1
transmission to IP transmission.
TRCGPS_CLK, the BTS extracts the
clock through the DGPS from the GPS.
If this parameter is set to UM_CLK, the
BTS keeps pace with the signals
broadcast on the downlink main BCCH
of a neighboring BTS.
If this parameter is set to PEER_CLK,
the multimode BTS(GSM) keeps pace
with the signals that the other mode
offer.
SYNETH_CLK, the multimode
BTS(GSM) keeps pace with the SynEth
Clock.
GUI Value Range: INT_CLK(Internal

Clock), TRCBSC_CLK(Trace BSC
Clock), EXTSYN_CLK(External Sync
clock), IP_TIME(IP Clock),
IP_TRANSFER(Trace Transport
Clock), TRCGPS_CLK(Trace GPS
Clock), UM_CLK(Um Clock),
PEER_CLK(Peer Clock),
SYNETH_CLK(SynEth Clock)
Actual Value Range: INT_CLK,
TRCBSC_CLK, EXTSYN_CLK,
IP_TIME, IP_TRANSFER,
TRCGPS_CLK, UM_CLK, PEER_CLK,
SYNETH_CLK
Unit: None
Default Value: None

SingleRAN

ID
CFGFLAG BSC6900 SET Meaning: Whether to allow the
BTSUSCUBP(Ma configuration of board parameters. The
ndatory) value "YES" indicates that the
configuration is allowed, and the value
"NO" indicates that the configuration is
not allowed. If the parameter is set to
"YES", all the other parameters
controlled by it are reset to the default
values in this command.
In multi-mode scenario, the value of
this parameter in this mode must be the
same as the value of the corresponding
parameter in another mode.
GUI Value Range: NO(NO), YES(YES)

Actual Value Range: NO, YES
Unit: None
Default Value: None
GPSORGL BSC6900 SET Meaning: Synchronization clock
ONASS BTSUSCUBP(Op adopted when two satellite cards are
tional) used together. GPS:Trace GPS only.
GLONASS:Trace GLONASS only.
GPSGlonass:Trace GPS and
GLONASS.
GUI Value Range: GPS(GPS),

GLONASS(Glonass),
GPSGlonass(GPSGlonass)
Actual Value Range: GPS,
GLONASS, GPSGlonass
Unit: None
Default Value: GPS
ANTENNA BSC6900 SET Meaning: Length of the feeder cable.
LONG BTSUSCUBP(Op The GPS satellite card is connected to
tional) the antenna through feeder cables. The
transmission delay on the feeder cable
can be calculated on the basis of the
length of the feeder cable, thus
increasing the timing accuracy of the
satellite card.
GUI Value Range: 0~1000

Actual Value Range: 0~1000
Unit: m
Default Value: 0
ANTENNA BSC6900 SET Meaning: Power supply switch of the
POWERS BTSUSCUBP(Op GPS antenna feeder
WITCH tional)
GUI Value Range:
SENDPOWER(Send Power),

SingleRAN

ID
NOPOWER(No Power)
Actual Value Range: SENDPOWER,
NOPOWER
Unit: None
Default Value: NOPOWER
CLKSRC NodeB SET Meaning: Clock Source Type
CLKMODE(Optio
nal) GUI Value Range: GPSCARD(GPS
card clock source), BITS(BITS clock
source), LINE(LINE clock source),
IPCLK(IP clock source), PTP(PTP
clock source), USCUGPS(USCUGPS
clock source), PEER(PEER clock
source)
Actual Value Range: GPSCARD, BITS,
LINE, IPCLK, PTP, USCUGPS, PEER
Unit: None
Default Value: LINE

SingleRAN
Synchronization 7 Counters
7 Counters
There are no specific counters associated with this feature.

SingleRAN
Synchronization 8 Glossary
8 Glossary
For the acronyms, abbreviations, terms, and definitions, see the Glossary.

SingleRAN
Synchronization 9 Reference Documents
9 Reference Documents
[1]. IP Network Clock Feature Parameter Description of RAN
[2]. Synchronization in UTRAN, 3GPP TS 25.402.


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Synchronization

HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.

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Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

3 Synchronization Techniques .................................................................................................3-1

4 SingleRAN Clock Solutions ...................................................................................................4-1

Issue 01 (2010-10-15) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential i

4.3.1 Overview ............................................................................................................................. 4-10

5 Appendix Synchronization Process in the UTRAN .........................................................5-1

Issue 01 (2010-10-15) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential ii

1.2 Intended Audience

1.3 Change History

Issue 01 (2010-10-15) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 1-1

2.2 Time Synchronization

Issue 01 (2010-10-15) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 2-1

Figure 2-2 Phase time

2.3 Frequency Synchronization

Issue 01 (2010-10-15) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 2-2

2.4 Difference Between Time Synchronization and Frequency

Issue 01 (2010-10-15) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 2-3

3.1 Main Clock Synchronization Techniques

3.2 Line Clock Synchronization

3.3 GPS Clock Synchronization

Issue 01 (2010-10-15) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 3-1

Figure 3-1 GPS clock synchronization solution

3.3.2 Advantages and Disadvantages of GPS Clock Synchronization

3.4 BITS Clock Synchronization

Issue 01 (2010-10-15) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 3-2

3.4.2 BITS Clock Synchronization Solution

Issue 01 (2010-10-15) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 3-3

3.4.3 Advantages and Disadvantages of BITS Clock

3.5 Ethernet Clock Synchronization

Issue 01 (2010-10-15) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 3-4

3.5.2 Advantages and Disadvantages of Ethernet Clock

3.6 IEEE1588 V2 Clock Synchronization

3.6.2 Application Modes of IEEE1588 V2 Clock Synchronization

Issue 01 (2010-10-15) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 3-5

 Boundary Clock (BC) mode

Issue 01 (2010-10-15) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 3-6

Figure 3-5 Application modes of IEEE1588 V2 frequency synchronization

3.6.3 Advantages and Disadvantages of IEEE1588 V2 Clock

Issue 01 (2010-10-15) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 3-7

4 SingleRAN Clock Solutions

4.1 MBSC Clock Solution

4.1.2 Clock Sources

Issue 01 (2010-10-15) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 4-1

4.1.3 Structure of Clock Synchronization Subsystem

Issue 01 (2010-10-15) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 4-2

Figure 4-1 Structure of clock synchronization subsystem

The structure of the MBSC clock synchronization subsystem is described as follows:

Issue 01 (2010-10-15) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 4-3

Figure 4-2 Connections of clock signal cables

4.1.4 Clock Synchronization Process

MPS/EPS Clock Synchronization Process

Issue 01 (2010-10-15) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 4-4

Figure 4-3 MPS/EPS clock synchronization (1)

Figure 4-4 MPS/EPS clock synchronization (2)

Issue 01 (2010-10-15) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 4-5

TCS Clock Synchronization Process

4.1.5 RFN Generation and Reception

Issue 01 (2010-10-15) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 4-6

Figure 4-6 Process of RFN generation and reception

4.2 MBTS Clock Solution

Issue 01 (2010-10-15) Huawei Proprietary and Confidential 4-7