Nanosecond-level Resilient GNSS-based Time Synchronization in
Telecommunication Networks through WR-PTP HA
Abstract
In recent years, the push for accurate and reliable time synchronization
has become increasingly important in crit?ical infrastructure,
particularly in telecommunication networks. The enhanced performance of
5G New Radio and next-generation technologies rely on phase
synchronization of Radio Access Network (RAN) nodes, which require
sub-microsecond relative timing errors. Atomic clocks, integrated with
Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) timing receivers, have been
deployed in timing networks as Grand Master Clocks (GMCs). However, this
solution does not scale well with the growing number of interme?diate
nodes in current RANs. A more affordable and distributed solution is
needed for scalability and time synchronization. GNSS timing receivers
are a cost-effective solution providing stable reference clock signals,
but a proliferation of GNSS antennas can expose the network to malicious
radio-frequency attacks. This research proposes a solution for stable
and resilient GNSS?based network synchronization, using the White Rabbit
Precise Time Protocol and a timing source backup logic in case of
timing-disruptive attacks. The solution was tested against popular
jamming, meaconing, and spoofing attacks and was able to maintain 2 ns
relative synchronization accuracy between its nodes under any of the
tested attacks, without the support of an atomic clock.