WHY
TIMING MATTERS?
Modern mobile networks live and die by synchronization. From 5G to IoT, precise timing ensures that radios transmit in harmony, handovers work seamlessly, and advanced features like massive MIMO or URLLC can function without interruption.
If timing drifts, the consequences are immediate: interference storms, failed handovers, unusable spectrum, and regulatory penalties.
“Without synchronisation, networks don’t just slow down — they fail.”
Timing-sensitive use cases include:
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URLLC for robotics, automation, and remote surgery
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eMBB powering stadiums, AR/VR, and high-capacity data
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mMTC connecting millions of IoT devices
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Neutral host networks serving multiple operators indoors
5G CHALLENGES
5G introduces new layers of timing complexity. With increased spectrum sharing, denser cell deployment, and virtualised RAN architectures, synchronisation must now extend deeper into the network, all the way to the edge.
Timing errors at this scale disrupt latency targets, compromise quality of service, and risk SLA violations.
THE HIDDEN
CHALLENGES OF SYNC
Operators face tough obstacles in every domain:
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SLA failures from sync drift
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OPEX overhead from external timing appliances
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Regulatory risks in TDD and shared spectrum
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Indoor blind spots where GNSS is unavailable
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Multi-operator conflicts in neutral host environments
Read More: 5G Network Synchronisation for Telecoms: Unlocking Seamless Connectivity with PTP Grandmasters
Dense deployments, open interfaces, and disaggregated architectures make synchronisation one of the hardest problems in next-gen telecom.
INTRODUCING
TIMEBEAT O-RAN TIMECARD
At the heart of the solution is the Intel 835 NIC enhanced with Timebeat’s Open Timecard technology. This transforms a standard NIC into a server-integrated synchronization hub — no external appliances required.
MAIN FEATURES
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Integrated GNSS with high-stability oscillator holdover
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Nanosecond-level precision, Class A O-RAN compliant
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PTP Grandmaster, Boundary, and Transparent clock modes
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SyncE frequency distribution
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Full compliance with the Open Timecard standard
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Server-native design — reducing footprint and cost
Why It Matters for 5G
As operators roll out small cells, virtualised DUs, and open interfaces, precision timing becomes critical for maintaining performance and interoperability. The Timebeat O-RAN Timecard integrates directly into your infrastructure, reducing complexity, cost, and deployment time.
FROM RISK
TO RESILIENCE
The ORAN Timecard directly addresses the sync challenges across network domains
01
O-RAN
Guarantees DU, RU synchronisation across multiple vendors
02
PRIVATE 5G
Maintains compliance in shared spectrum, even without GNSS visibility
03
NEUTRAL HOST
Prevents cross-operator interference with a shared sync fabric
04
TRADITIONAL RAN
Delivers open, auditable timing instead of opaque vendor schemes
Result: Reduced OPEX, enhanced compliance, and network-wide resilience from the edge to the core.
BUILT FOR
OPERATORS, ENTERPRISES & NEUTRAL HOSTS
SLA ASSURANCE
Traceable, auditable synchronization to prove compliance
REDUCED OPEX
Integrated into the server NIC, eliminating costly external boxes
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
Stay aligned with TDD and CBRS requirements
DIFFERENTIATION
Market certified synchronisation as a premium feature
DEPLOYMENT FLEXIBILITY
Reliable performance indoors and in GNSS-blind environments
Timebeat ORAN Timecard delivers
PROOF & VALIDATION
The ORAN Timecard is fully aligned with O-RAN Alliance standards, the Open Compute Project Timecard, and IEEE 1588.
It has been validated for ≤50ns accuracy with robust holdover stability, ensuring it meets the most demanding network requirements.
Independent validation and ongoing collaboration with Intel and OCP strengthen confidence in the solution’s performance and long-term support.
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