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

Research output: Contribution to book/Conference proceedings/Anthology/ReportConference contributionContributedpeer-review

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

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings - 2026 International Conference on Quantum Communications, Networking, and Computing, QCNC 2026
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Pages206-215
Number of pages10
ISBN (electronic)979-8-3315-6110-9
ISBN (print)979-8-3315-6111-6
Publication statusPublished - 7 May 2026
Peer-reviewedYes

Conference

Title3rd International Conference on Quantum Communications, Networking, and Computing
Abbreviated titleQCNC 2026
Conference number3
Duration6 - 8 April 2026
Website
LocationOriental Hotel Kobe
CityKobe
CountryJapan

External IDs

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

Keywords

Keywords

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