Stable frequency transfer for clock synchronization for telecom networks

Abstract

Abstract A stable and reliable clock synchronization system that transfers reference clocks to nodes is essential for telecom networks. Mainly, the clock synchronization of telecom networks is carried out through satellite links. However, for the evolving ubiquitous wireless communications, especially in some harsh environments, such as underground and trenches, the satellite-based clock synchronization scheme bears inevitable obstacles, which may cause strategic risks for the telecom networks, since no control and manipulation can be imposed on the satellite systems. Therefore, to ensure the robust operation of telecom networks with performance guarantees, some auxiliary means are desirable to assist clock synchronization that is solely based on satellite links. In this article, we report a phase-stabilized frequency signal transmission on branching optical fiber for clock synchronization for telecom networks. Particularly, the phase fluctuation due to optical carriers separation link and fiber link is compensated by a feedback network, which employs a high-precision voltage-controlled oscillator in the phase-locked loop to drive the acousto-optic frequency shifter for fast phase correction. Furtherly, the factors that cause performance limitations of the frequency distribution system are analyzed. Eventually, the experiment results obtained show that a stabilized fiber-optic frequency transfer scheme can be used as a reliable method for clock synchronization with high accuracy.