IEEE1588v2 (also known as Precision Time Protocol, or PTP) is an industry-standard protocol that enables the precise transfer of frequency and time to synchronize clocks over packet-based Ethernet networks.
The locally available clock on each network device synchronizes with a grandmaster clock by exchanging timestamps that contain sub-nanosecond granularity. This allows them to deliver very high accuracy to ensure the stability of base station frequency and handovers. The timestamps between master and slave devices are exchanged through PTP event packets. The ExtremeXOS 1588v2 implementation uses the IPv4/UDP transport mechanism PTP packets.
Note
The Precision Time Protocol is currently available only for version 32.6 and later releases on ExtremeSwitching 5520 series switches, and version 33.1.1 on 7520-48Y and 7720-32C series switches. For this router, accurate synchronization of base stations to nanoseconds accuracy is critical to minimize service disruptions and eliminate dropped connections as calls move between adjacent cells.