Quantum-Assisted Packet Synchronization for 5G/6G: Architecture, Standards Alignment, and Positioning Gains

Publikation: Beitrag in Buch/Konferenzbericht/Sammelband/GutachtenBeitrag in KonferenzbandBeigetragenBegutachtung

Abstract

Accurate time and phase distribution remain central requirements for emerging communication systems, where synchronization affects radio coordination, fronthaul stability, and network-based positioning. Current approaches rely heavily on GNSS, the Precision Time Protocol (PTP), and Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE). Still, their performance is limited by delay asymmetry, accumulated jitter across long paths, and GNSS's vulnerability to blockage or interference. Recent progress in optical and quantum time-transfer techniques, particularly time-correlated entangled photons (TCEP) and optical lattice clocks (OLCs), offers an opportunity to improve both stability and calibration accuracy. This work proposes a practical synchronization framework that integrates OLC-based time references, TCEP-assisted calibration between core nodes, and standards-compliant packet-based delivery using PTP/SyncE in accordance with ITU-T G.8271. We describe how to interface photonic subsystems, FPGA-based timestamping hardware, and telecom boundary clocks without modifying existing radio functions. We also evaluate how improved synchronization propagates to key applications: uplink and downlink TDoA positioning, fronthaul and TSN timing stability, and NTN deployments where GNSS is unreliable. The architecture is designed for incremental deployment and aligns with current operational practices.

Details

OriginalspracheEnglisch
TitelProceedings - 2026 International Conference on Quantum Communications, Networking, and Computing, QCNC 2026
Herausgeber (Verlag)Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Seiten206-215
Seitenumfang10
ISBN (elektronisch)979-8-3315-6110-9
ISBN (Print)979-8-3315-6111-6
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - 7 Mai 2026
Peer-Review-StatusJa

Konferenz

Titel3rd International Conference on Quantum Communications, Networking, and Computing
KurztitelQCNC 2026
Veranstaltungsnummer3
Dauer6 - 8 April 2026
Webseite
OrtOriental Hotel Kobe
StadtKobe
LandJapan

Externe IDs

ORCID /0000-0001-8469-9573/work/217886116

Schlagworte

Schlagwörter

  • 6G, ITU-T G.8271, NTN positioning, optical lattice clocks, PTP, SyncE, TCEP, Time synchronization