I n t e r n a t i o n a l T e l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n U n i o n

ITU-T G.8272/Y.1367
TELECOMMUNICATION (10/2012)
STANDARDIZATION SECTOR
OF ITU

SERIES G: TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS AND MEDIA,

DIGITAL SYSTEMS AND NETWORKS
Packet over Transport aspects – Quality and availability
targets
SERIES Y: GLOBAL INFORMATION
INFRASTRUCTURE, INTERNET PROTOCOL ASPECTS
AND NEXT-GENERATION NETWORKS
Internet protocol aspects – Transport

Timing characteristics of primary reference time

clocks

Recommendation ITU-T G.8272/Y.1367

 ITU-T G-SERIES RECOMMENDATIONS
TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS AND MEDIA, DIGITAL SYSTEMS AND NETWORKS

INTERNATIONAL TELEPHONE CONNECTIONS AND CIRCUITS G.100–G.199

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS COMMON TO ALL ANALOGUE CARRIER- G.200–G.299
TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS
INDIVIDUAL CHARACTERISTICS OF INTERNATIONAL CARRIER TELEPHONE G.300–G.399
SYSTEMS ON METALLIC LINES
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF INTERNATIONAL CARRIER TELEPHONE SYSTEMS G.400–G.449
ON RADIO-RELAY OR SATELLITE LINKS AND INTERCONNECTION WITH METALLIC
LINES
COORDINATION OF RADIOTELEPHONY AND LINE TELEPHONY G.450–G.499
TRANSMISSION MEDIA AND OPTICAL SYSTEMS CHARACTERISTICS G.600–G.699
DIGITAL TERMINAL EQUIPMENTS G.700–G.799
DIGITAL NETWORKS G.800–G.899
DIGITAL SECTIONS AND DIGITAL LINE SYSTEM G.900–G.999
MULTIMEDIA QUALITY OF SERVICE AND PERFORMANCE – GENERIC AND USER- G.1000–G.1999
RELATED ASPECTS
TRANSMISSION MEDIA CHARACTERISTICS G.6000–G.6999
DATA OVER TRANSPORT – GENERIC ASPECTS G.7000–G.7999
PACKET OVER TRANSPORT ASPECTS G.8000–G.8999
Ethernet over Transport aspects G.8000–G.8099
MPLS over Transport aspects G.8100–G.8199
Quality and availability targets G.8200–G.8299
Service Management G.8600–G.8699
ACCESS NETWORKS G.9000–G.9999

For further details, please refer to the list of ITU-T Recommendations.

Recommendation ITU-T G.8272/Y.1367

Timing characteristics of primary reference time clocks

Summary
Recommendation ITU-T G.8272/Y.1367 specifies the requirements for primary reference time
clocks (PRTCs) suitable for time and phase synchronization in packet networks. It defines the error
allowed at the time output of the PRTC.
These requirements apply under the normal environmental conditions specified for the equipment.

History
Edition Recommendation Approval Study Group
1.0 ITU-T G.8272/Y.1367 2012-10-29 15

Rec. ITU-T G.8272/Y.1367 (10/2012) i

 FOREWORD
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations specialized agency in the field of
telecommunications, information and communication technologies (ICTs). The ITU Telecommunication
Standardization Sector (ITU-T) is a permanent organ of ITU. ITU-T is responsible for studying technical,
operating and tariff questions and issuing Recommendations on them with a view to standardizing
telecommunications on a worldwide basis.
The World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA), which meets every four years,
establishes the topics for study by the ITU-T study groups which, in turn, produce Recommendations on
these topics.
The approval of ITU-T Recommendations is covered by the procedure laid down in WTSA Resolution 1.
In some areas of information technology which fall within ITU-T's purview, the necessary standards are
prepared on a collaborative basis with ISO and IEC.

NOTE
In this Recommendation, the expression "Administration" is used for conciseness to indicate both a
telecommunication administration and a recognized operating agency.
Compliance with this Recommendation is voluntary. However, the Recommendation may contain certain
mandatory provisions (to ensure, e.g., interoperability or applicability) and compliance with the
Recommendation is achieved when all of these mandatory provisions are met. The words "shall" or some
other obligatory language such as "must" and the negative equivalents are used to express requirements. The
use of such words does not suggest that compliance with the Recommendation is required of any party.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

ITU draws attention to the possibility that the practice or implementation of this Recommendation may
involve the use of a claimed Intellectual Property Right. ITU takes no position concerning the evidence,
validity or applicability of claimed Intellectual Property Rights, whether asserted by ITU members or others
outside of the Recommendation development process.
As of the date of approval of this Recommendation, ITU had not received notice of intellectual property,
protected by patents, which may be required to implement this Recommendation. However, implementers
are cautioned that this may not represent the latest information and are therefore strongly urged to consult the
TSB patent database at http://www.itu.int/ITU-T/ipr/.

 ITU 2013
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, by any means whatsoever, without the
prior written permission of ITU.

ii Rec. ITU-T G.8272/Y.1367 (10/2012)

 Table of Contents
Page
1 Scope ............................................................................................................................ 1
2 References..................................................................................................................... 1
3 Definitions .................................................................................................................... 1
4 Abbreviations and acronyms ........................................................................................ 1
5 Conventions .................................................................................................................. 2
6 Time error, wander and jitter in locked mode .............................................................. 2
6.1 Time error in locked mode ............................................................................. 2
6.2 Wander in locked mode .................................................................................. 3
6.3 Jitter ................................................................................................................ 4
7 Phase/Time holdover .................................................................................................... 4
8 Phase discontinuity ....................................................................................................... 4
9 Interfaces....................................................................................................................... 5
9.1 Phase and time interfaces ............................................................................... 5
9.2 Frequency interfaces ....................................................................................... 5
Appendix I – Measuring the performance of a PRTC ............................................................. 6
I.1 Factors influencing the performance of a GNSS-based PRTC ...................... 6
I.2 Phase wander measurement ............................................................................ 6
I.3 Time error measurements ............................................................................... 7
Appendix II – PRTC functional model .................................................................................... 10
Appendix III – Information exchanged over the time interface............................................... 12
Appendix IV – PRTC locations ............................................................................................... 13

Rec. ITU-T G.8272/Y.1367 (10/2012) iii

Recommendation ITU-T G.8272/Y.1367

Timing characteristics of primary reference time clocks

1 Scope
This Recommendation specifies the requirements for primary reference time clocks (PRTCs)
suitable for time and phase synchronization in packet networks. These requirements apply under the
normal environmental conditions specified for the equipment.
A typical PRTC provides the reference signal for time synchronization and/or phase
synchronization for other clocks within a network or section of a network. In particular, the PRTC
can also provide the reference signal to the "Telecom Grand Master"1 within the network nodes
where the PRTC is located. The PRTC provides a reference time signal traceable to a recognized
time standard (e.g., UTC).
This Recommendation defines the PRTC output requirements. The accuracy of the PRTC should be
maintained as specified in this Recommendation.

2 References
The following ITU-T Recommendations and other references contain provisions which, through
reference in this text, constitute provisions of this Recommendation. At the time of publication, the
editions indicated were valid. All Recommendations and other references are subject to revision;
users of this Recommendation are therefore encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the
most recent edition of the Recommendations and other references listed below. A list of the
currently valid ITU-T Recommendations is regularly published. The reference to a document within
this Recommendation does not give it, as a stand-alone document, the status of a Recommendation.
[ITU-T G.703] Recommendation ITU-T G.703 (2001), Physical/electrical characteristics of
hierarchical digital interfaces.
[ITU-T G.810] Recommendation ITU-T G.810 (1996), Definitions and terminology for
synchronization networks.
[ITU-T G.811] Recommendation ITU-T G.811 (1997), Timing characteristics of primary
reference clocks.
[ITU-T G.8260] Recommendation ITU-T G.8260 (2012), Definitions and terminology for
synchronization in packet networks.
[ITU-T G.8271] Recommendation ITU-T G.8271/Y.1366 (2012), Time and phase
synchronization aspects of packet networks.

3 Definitions
Definitions related to synchronization are contained in [ITU-T G.810] and [ITU-T G.8260].

4 Abbreviations and acronyms

This Recommendation uses the following abbreviations and acronyms:
GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System
GPS Global Positioning System

____________________
1 "Telecom Grand Master" is currently under study within ITU-T.

Rec. ITU-T G.8272/Y.1367 (10/2012) 1

MTIE Maximum Time Interval Error
PRC Primary Reference Clock
PRTC Primary Reference Time Clock
SSU Synchronization Supply Unit
TDEV Time Deviation
UTC Coordinated Universal Time

5 Conventions
None.

6 Time error, wander and jitter in locked mode

The noise generation of a PRTC clock is characterized by two main aspects:
– the constant time error (time offset) at its output compared to the applicable primary time
standard (e.g., UTC);
– the amount of phase error (wander and jitter) produced at its output.
For characterization of the second aspect described above (phase error) the calculation of the
maximum time interval error (MTIE) and the time deviation (TDEV) is useful.
Clause 6.1 defines the time error requirements applicable at the output of the PRTC, which
corresponds to the combination of the two aspects described above (constant time error and phase
error). No requirement is defined for the constant time error component taken alone, only when it is
combined with the phase error.
Clauses 6.2 and 6.3 define the wander and jitter requirements applicable at the output of the PRTC,
which correspond to the second aspect described above (phase error).

6.1 Time error in locked mode

Under normal, locked operating conditions, the time output of the PRTC should be accurate to
within 100 ns or better when verified against the applicable primary time standard (e.g., UTC). This
value includes all the noise components, i.e., the constant time error (time offset) and the phase
error (wander and jitter) of the PRTC.
Normal, locked operating conditions mean that:
– The PRTC is fully locked to the incoming reference time signal, and is not operating in
warm-up.
– There are no failures or facility errors in the reference path, including but not limited to
antenna failures.
– The environmental conditions are within the operating limits specified for the equipment.
– The equipment is properly commissioned and calibrated for fixed offsets such as antenna
cable length, cable amplifiers and receiver delays.
– The reference time signal (e.g., GNSS signal) is operating within limits, as determined by
the relevant operating authorities.
– If the reference time signal is operated over a radio system such as a global navigation
satellite system (GNSS), multipath reflections and interference from other local
transmissions, such as jamming, must be minimized to an acceptable level.
– There are no extreme propagation anomalies, such as severe thunderstorms.

2 Rec. ITU-T G.8272/Y.1367 (10/2012)

6.2 Wander in locked mode
When the PRTC clock is in the normal, locked mode of operation, the wander, expressed in MTIE,
measured using a similar configuration as the synchronized clock configuration defined in
Figure 1a of [ITU-T G.810] (with the use of a time standard instead of a frequency standard),
should have the following limits:

Table 1 – Wander generation (MTIE)

MTIE limit [µs] Observation interval τ [s]
–3
0.275 × 10 τ + 0.025 0.1 < τ ≤ 273
0.10 τ > 273

The resultant requirements are shown in Figure 1.

1

MTIE [μs] 0.1

G.8272-Y.1367(12)_F01
0.01
1e–1 1e+0 1e+1 1e+2 1e+3 1e+4 1e+5 1e+6 1e+7 1e+8
Observation interval [s]

Figure 1 – MTIE as a function of an observation (integration) period τ

NOTE 1 – For the 1PPS output interface, the MTIE is applicable above a 1 second observation period.
When the PRTC clock is in the normal, locked mode of operation, the wander, expressed in TDEV,
measured using a similar configuration as the synchronized clock configuration defined in Figure 1a
of [ITU-T G.810] (with the use of a time standard instead of a frequency standard), should have the
following limits:

Table 2 – Wander generation (TDEV)

TDEV limit [ns] Observation interval τ [s]
3 0.1 < τ ≤ 100
0.03 τ 100 < τ ≤ 1 000
30 1 000 < τ < 10 000

Rec. ITU-T G.8272/Y.1367 (10/2012) 3

The resultant requirements are shown in Figure 2.
100

30

TDEV [ns] 10

G.8272-Y.1367(12)_F02
1
0.1 1 10 100 1 000 10 000
Observation interval [s]

Figure 2 – TDEV as a function of an observation (integration) period τ

NOTE 2 – For the 1PPS output interface, the TDEV is applicable above a 1 second observation period.
The applicable MTIE and TDEV requirements for 1PPS output interfaces are based on the time
interval error of the 1PPS signal taken at one sample per second and without any low-pass filtering.
The applicable MTIE and TDEV requirements for 2 048 kHz, 2 048 kbit/s and 1 544 kbit/s output
interfaces are measured through an equivalent 10 Hz, first-order, low-pass measurement filter, at a
maximum sampling time τ0 of 1/30 seconds.

6.3 Jitter
While most specifications in this Recommendation are independent of the output interface at which
they are measured, this is not the case for jitter production; jitter generation specifications must
utilize existing specifications that are currently specified differently for different interface rates.
These requirements are stated separately for some of the interfaces identified in clause 9. The
applicable jitter requirements for 2 048 kHz, 2 048 kbit/s and 1 544 kbit/s output interfaces are
defined in [ITU-T G.811].
The intrinsic jitter for the other interfaces identified in clause 9 is for further study.

7 Phase/Time holdover
When a PRTC clock loses all its input phase and time references, it enters the phase/time holdover
state. Under these circumstances, the PRTC clock may either rely on the holdover of a local
oscillator, or on an optional external input frequency reference traceable to a primary reference
clock (PRC), or on a combination of both.
This requirement bounds the maximum excursions in the output timing signal. Additionally, it
restricts the accumulation of the phase movement during input signal impairments or internal
disturbances.
The phase/time holdover requirements applicable to a PRTC are for further study.

8 Phase discontinuity
The phase discontinuity for a PRTC is for further study.

4 Rec. ITU-T G.8272/Y.1367 (10/2012)

9 Interfaces
The requirements in this Recommendation are related to reference points which may be internal to
the equipment or NE in which the PRTC is embedded and are therefore not necessarily available for
measurement or analysis by the user. Consequently, the performance of the PRTC is not specified at
these internal reference points, but rather at the external interfaces of the equipment.
Note that not all of the interfaces below need to be implemented on all equipment.

9.1 Phase and time interfaces

The output phase and time interfaces specified for the equipment in which the PRTC clock may be
contained are:
– 1PPS interface, as defined in Annex A of [ITU-T G.8271] for a measurement interface.
– Other interfaces are for further study.

9.2 Frequency interfaces

In addition to phase and time interfaces, frequency interfaces may be used. The output frequency
interfaces specified for the equipment in which the PRTC clock may be contained are:
– 2 048 kHz interfaces according to [ITU-T G.703] with additional jitter and wander
requirements as specified herein;
– 1 544 kbit/s interfaces according to [ITU-T G.703] with additional jitter and wander
requirements as specified herein;
– 2 048 kbit/s interfaces according to [ITU-T G.703] with additional jitter and wander
requirements as specified herein;
– other interfaces are for further study.
The optional input frequency interfaces specified for the equipment in which the PRTC clock may
be contained are for further study.

Rec. ITU-T G.8272/Y.1367 (10/2012) 5

 Appendix I

Measuring the performance of a PRTC

(This appendix does not form an integral part of this Recommendation.)

The time error of PRTC output is difficult to measure because time is a relative quantity. Unlike
frequency; there is no such thing as a "time generator", it always has to be compared back to a
standard such as "coordinated universal time" (UTC). Even UTC itself is only known in retrospect,
by comparing the outputs of many national time standards over a period of time.
NOTE – The accuracy of the PRTC performance test is for further study.

I.1 Factors influencing the performance of a GNSS-based PRTC

The most common type of PRTC is one that distributes the time using radio signals from a GNSS
system. However, the performance of a GNSS system is dependent on a range of issues outside the
control of the equipment vendor. Therefore any vendor specification can only indicate what the
equipment is capable of, rather than what performance the equipment will actually deliver in any
given installation.
In measuring the performance of a GNSS-based PRTC, the following conditions should be verified
as far as possible:
• The equipment is properly commissioned and calibrated for fixed offsets such as antenna
cable length and cable amplifiers. For example, an antenna cable will produce a delay of
approximately 4 ns/m, depending on the cable type.
• Any 1PPS output signal asymmetry compensation contained within the PRTC (such as is
described in clause A.1.2 of [ITU-T G.8271]) is stable.
• The antenna has a clear view of the sky with minimal multipath distortion. This may be
verified by recording the number of satellites visible throughout the measurement.
• The GNSS or radio distribution system is properly maintained and operated by the relevant
authorities. This may be verified by checking the operational status bulletins issued by the
relevant operating authorities.
In addition to these primary factors, there are some secondary conditions which may cause errors in
the time measured by a GNSS system. These factors may be more difficult to quantify or mitigate
against. Secondary factors may include:
• interference from ground level transmissions. While filters may be used to remove some
ground level interference, this may not protect against local jamming. The presence of
jamming may be verified by using interference detection equipment.
• Atmospheric conditions such as thunderstorms and heavy rain or fog,
• solar interference such as sunspots and flares, affecting ionospheric delay.

I.2 Phase wander measurement

It is possible to measure the phase wander of a PRTC relative to a PRC-quality frequency reference,
such as a caesium clock. A time interval counter is used to compare the phase of a 1 pulse-per-
second (1pps) output signal from the PRTC against that of a PRC. The experimental set-up is
shown in Figure I.1:

6 Rec. ITU-T G.8272/Y.1367 (10/2012)

 Radio distributed PRTC signal (e.g., GNSS)

PRTC 1 pps Time interval 1 pps PRC e.g., Cs

under test counter Freq. Ref. clock

Measurement Time interval

against additional counter
PRC to verify drift
against reference

Time interval PRC

counter Freq. Ref.

Data log

G.8272-Y.1367(12)_FI.1

Figure I.1 – Measuring phase wander of a PRTC

The wander of a caesium reference clock is extremely low, although it may have a slight offset to
UTC frequency. For a PRC, this is guaranteed to be within 1 part in 1011, but typical caesium
references have much better performance. This frequency offset causes a tilt in the phase plot,
which must be removed to reveal the wander performance of the PRTC.
In order to distinguish between wander of the PRTC and that of the PRC, a second PRC can be used
to make a three-way comparison. This is shown in Figure I.1 by the components in the shaded box.
This additional check may be omitted if not required.
Since the caesium reference is only a source of frequency and not time, this experiment only
indicates phase wander, and cannot measure the time error from the GNSS system time. However, it
does indicate that if the static error can be measured and calibrated out, the PRTC is capable of
maintaining time within certain limits.

I.3 Time error measurements

In order to determine the maximum time error of a PRTC, it is necessary to compare it to another
source of accurate time.
I.3.1 Comparison against a reference receiver
In the laboratory context, an accurate source of time might be another GNSS receiver of known
uncertainty, or a "reference receiver". The experimental set-up is very similar to the wander
measurement, but substituting the reference receiver for the caesium PRC. A time interval counter
is used to compare the time difference of a 1 pulse-per-second (1 pps) output signal from the PRTC
against that of the reference receiver. The experimental set-up is shown in Figure I.2.

Rec. ITU-T G.8272/Y.1367 (10/2012) 7

 Radio distributed PRTC signal (e.g., GNSS)

PRTC 1 pps Time interval 1 pps Reference

under test counter receiver

Data log

G.8272-Y.1367(12)_FI.2

Figure I.2 – Comparing time accuracy against a reference receiver

In this set-up, the reference receiver should ideally have a significantly better performance than the
PRTC in order for the results to be valid. Since the PRTC time error specification is approaching
the limits of what is possible using a GNSS system, this type of measurement is able to give an
indication that the time accuracy is in the right area, rather than prove that the accuracy
specification has been met.
The reference receiver approach may be improved by using a collection of reference receivers. For
example, if three receivers or more are used, it is possible to use a "majority voting" system to
determine the performance of the PRTC under test. It is also possible to estimate the variance of
individual receivers. The experimental set-up is shown in Figure I.3.

Radio distributed PRTC signal (e.g., GNSS)

PRTC 1 pps Time interval 1 pps Reference

under test counter receiver A

Time interval Reference

counter receiver B

Time interval Reference

counter receiver C

Data log

G.8272-Y.1367(12)_FI.3

Figure I.3 – Comparing time accuracy against multiple reference receivers

8 Rec. ITU-T G.8272/Y.1367 (10/2012)

I.3.2 Calibration against a national time standard
In order to prove that the time error relative to a given time standard is within acceptable limits, it is
necessary to compare the PRTC to a much more accurate source of time. For example, this may be
obtained from a national time laboratory. Either the measurement will need to be made at the
laboratory itself, or an accurate time distribution system will need to be used, such as a dedicated
cable or fibre, or a GNSS common-view time service. This type of measurement may be used to
characterize the performance of a reference receiver. The experimental set-up is shown in
Figure I.4.

Radio distributed PRTC signal (e.g., GNSS)

National
Accurate time distribution time
(e.g., cable, fibre or GPS standard
common-view service)

PRTC 1 pps Time interval 1 pps Time

under test counter reference

Data log

G.8272-Y.1367(12)_FI.4

Figure I.4 – Measuring time accuracy against a national time standard

Rec. ITU-T G.8272/Y.1367 (10/2012) 9

 Appendix II

PRTC functional model

(This appendix does not form an integral part of this Recommendation.)

A simplified model of the PRTC is provided in this appendix to describe its functionality and to
define the various interfaces and functions that collectively define a PRTC.
Figure II.1 represents a functional model and it is not intended to specify any specific
implementation.
PRTC

Time Traceability information

Time reference
(e.g., GNSS signal) recovery
Time Time reference
block Time I/F
Local
(e.g., GNSS Phase Phase reference
timescale
engine) Phase I/F
Frequency
Traceability
information
Frequency
Local reference (optional)
Frequency frequency Freq. I/F
External frequency
input reference (optional) clock
Freq. I/F

G.8272-Y.1367(12)_FII.1

Figure II.1 – PRTC functional model

NOTE – The output interfaces shown in Figure II.1 correspond to logical interfaces; in some PRTC
implementations, the time logical interface and the phase logical interface may be merged into the same
phase/time physical interface. In addition to the time reference, the time logical interface may carry
associated information on the traceability of the reference.
The main function of a PRTC is to deliver a primary time reference to be used in time and/or phase
synchronization of other clocks of the network.
A PRTC clock receives a time reference from a system having access to a recognized primary time
standard (e.g., from a global navigation satellite system or from a national laboratory participating
in time standards generation) and delivers this reference signal to other clocks within a network or
section of a network.
In addition, a PRTC clock may optionally implement input and output frequency interfaces. When
connected to a frequency reference traceable to a PRC, the optional input frequency interface may
be used to maintain the local representation of the timescale during outages of the input time
reference (i.e., extend the phase/time holdover period of the clock). A possible use of the optional
output frequency interface may be to measure the phase noise of the PRTC with traditional telecom
signals.
Finally, the PRTC clock may also deliver traceability information, reflecting the status of the clock
(i.e., locked on its input reference signal, in holdover, etc.). The details of this traceability
information are for further study.
The functionality of the PRTC is defined based on the individual blocks in Figure II.1. A
description of the functions is provided in Table II.1. Note that the specific grouping of the
functions is for description only and is not intended to specify how the PRTC may be implemented.

10 Rec. ITU-T G.8272/Y.1367 (10/2012)

 Table II.1 – PRTC functions
Time recovery Receives and processes the external time interface (e.g., from GNSS antenna).
Provides output signals to generate frequency, phase and time.
Provides traceability information.
Local frequency clock The frequency clock generates the internally-used frequency timing signals.
In the case of loss of signal by the time recovery engine, the clock may either go
into holdover, or switch to the optional incoming frequency reference (if
present).
Details of this clock are for further study, although it is expected that the
bandwidth will be significantly low given the output specification of the PRTC.
Local timescale Maintains the local representation of the primary timescale, based on the
frequency generated by the local frequency clock.
This block also generates the time and phase reference output signals.
I/F Interface function necessary to generate a physical signal.

Rec. ITU-T G.8272/Y.1367 (10/2012) 11

 Appendix III

Information exchanged over the time interface

(This appendix does not form an integral part of this Recommendation.)

The PRTC includes three output interfaces to carry frequency, phase and time.
NOTE – These interfaces correspond to logical interfaces; in some PRTC implementations, the time logical
interface and the phase logical interface may be merged into the same phase/time physical interface.
The time interface supports the output of time and status information from the PRTC. The time and
status information is carried in messages. The format of the messages is for further study. An
example of information that could be transferred over the time interface is provided in Table III.1.

Table III.1 – Example of time and status information

Name Description
Time International atomic time, TAI (seconds)
Leap seconds Leap seconds (offset between TAI and UTC)
Leap second addition/subtraction flags Provides advance notification of the occurrence of a
leap second
Status Provides an indication of whether the signal is
locked, in holdover, or should not be used.

12 Rec. ITU-T G.8272/Y.1367 (10/2012)

 Appendix IV

PRTC locations
(This appendix does not form an integral part of this Recommendation.)

When considering phase/time distribution, the PRTC functions can be located at different positions,
depending on the overall architecture that the network operator wishes to follow. In general, these
can be summarized into the four generic locations A, B, C and D described in this clause, and
illustrated in Figure IV.1 below.
NOTE – A packet master/T-GM (not shown in the figure) is in general co-located with the PRTC, for
instance, in case the PRTC delivers the time synchronization to remote locations.
A B C D

Core network Backhaul network

G.8272-Y.1367(12)_FIV.1
End application
(e.g., base station)
PRTC output time reference signal
PRTC
Time/phase synchronization path
Optional frequency reference (e.g., used to
PRC
provide holdover during GNSS failures)

Figure IV.1 – Generic locations for a PRTC function

It should be noted that deploying the PRTC functions closer to the end application implies
deploying a larger number of PRTC functions than in centralized locations, but it also has
advantages. For instance, it simplifies the task of calibrating properly the asymmetry of the links
from the PRTC to the end application. In this case, a smaller number of links would need to be
calibrated in order to avoid the accumulation of excessive time error.
• Case A: centralized PRTC co-located with PRC
In case A, the PRTC is co-located with the PRC in the core network, and may receive a
frequency reference from the PRC (the two functions may be integrated within the same
equipment). The time synchronization reference is then delivered from the PRTC via the
packet master all along the core network and the backhaul network, down to the end
application (e.g., base station), for instance, using a time protocol such as PTPv2.
• Case B: centralized PRTC not co-located with PRC
In case B, the PRTC is located in the core network, but not co-located with the PRC; in
general, the PRTC is in this case co-located with a synchronization supply unit (SSU) (the
two functions may be integrated within the same equipment, typically a GNSS receiver is
added to the SSU), and may receive a frequency reference from this SSU. The time
synchronization reference is then delivered from the PRTC via a packet master (T-GM) all
along the core network and the backhaul network, down to the end application (e.g., base
station), for instance, using a time protocol such as PTPv2.

Rec. ITU-T G.8272/Y.1367 (10/2012) 13

• Case C: PRTCs in aggregation sites
In case C, the PRTC is located in an aggregation site; typically a GNSS receiver is added to
one of the last SSUs of the physical layer frequency chain. The time synchronization
reference is then delivered from the PRTC via a packet master (T-GM) all along the
backhaul network, down to the end application (e.g., base station), for instance, using a
time protocol such as PTPv2.
• Case D: PRTCs at the edge of the network
In case D, the PRTC function is now located directly at the edge of the network (e.g., cell
site); typically a GNSS receiver is directly connected to the end application (e.g., base
stations). In this case, in general, the time synchronization reference is directly delivered
from the PRTC to the end application (e.g., base station).

14 Rec. ITU-T G.8272/Y.1367 (10/2012)

 ITU-T Y-SERIES RECOMMENDATIONS
GLOBAL INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE, INTERNET PROTOCOL ASPECTS AND NEXT-
GENERATION NETWORKS

GLOBAL INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE

General Y.100–Y.199
Services, applications and middleware Y.200–Y.299
Network aspects Y.300–Y.399
Interfaces and protocols Y.400–Y.499
Numbering, addressing and naming Y.500–Y.599
Operation, administration and maintenance Y.600–Y.699
Security Y.700–Y.799
Performances Y.800–Y.899
INTERNET PROTOCOL ASPECTS
General Y.1000–Y.1099
Services and applications Y.1100–Y.1199
Architecture, access, network capabilities and resource management Y.1200–Y.1299
Transport Y.1300–Y.1399
Interworking Y.1400–Y.1499
Quality of service and network performance Y.1500–Y.1599
Signalling Y.1600–Y.1699
Operation, administration and maintenance Y.1700–Y.1799
Charging Y.1800–Y.1899
IPTV over NGN Y.1900–Y.1999
NEXT GENERATION NETWORKS
Frameworks and functional architecture models Y.2000–Y.2099
Quality of Service and performance Y.2100–Y.2199
Service aspects: Service capabilities and service architecture Y.2200–Y.2249
Service aspects: Interoperability of services and networks in NGN Y.2250–Y.2299
Numbering, naming and addressing Y.2300–Y.2399
Network management Y.2400–Y.2499
Network control architectures and protocols Y.2500–Y.2599
Packet-based Networks Y.2600–Y.2699
Security Y.2700–Y.2799
Generalized mobility Y.2800–Y.2899
Carrier grade open environment Y.2900–Y.2999
FUTURE NETWORKS Y.3000–Y.3499
CLOUD COMPUTING Y.3500–Y.3999

For further details, please refer to the list of ITU-T Recommendations.

 SERIES OF ITU-T RECOMMENDATIONS

Series A Organization of the work of ITU-T

Series D General tariff principles

Series E Overall network operation, telephone service, service operation and human factors

Series F Non-telephone telecommunication services

Series G Transmission systems and media, digital systems and networks

Series H Audiovisual and multimedia systems

Series I Integrated services digital network

Series J Cable networks and transmission of television, sound programme and other multimedia signals

Series K Protection against interference

Series L Construction, installation and protection of cables and other elements of outside plant

Series M Telecommunication management, including TMN and network maintenance

Series N Maintenance: international sound programme and television transmission circuits

Series O Specifications of measuring equipment

Series P Terminals and subjective and objective assessment methods

Series Q Switching and signalling

Series R Telegraph transmission

Series S Telegraph services terminal equipment

Series T Terminals for telematic services

Series U Telegraph switching

Series V Data communication over the telephone network

Series X Data networks, open system communications and security

Series Y Global information infrastructure, Internet protocol aspects and next-generation

networks

Series Z Languages and general software aspects for telecommunication systems

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Geneva, 2013