Time Transfer Between UTC(SP) and UTC(MIKE) Using Frame Detection In Fiber-Optical Communication Networks

S.-C. Ebenhag, K. Jaldehag, C. Rieck, P. Jarlemark, P.O. Hedekvist, P. Löthberg, T. Fordell, and M. Merimaa

Abstract:	This paper presents recent results from a time transfer method using passive listening and detection of SDH frame headers in fiber-optical networks. The results are based on an experimental fiber-link that is implemented between the national time and frequency laboratories at SP in Borås, Sweden, and at MIKES in Espoo, Finland, with an intermediate connection at STUPI time and frequency facility in Stockholm, Sweden. The total fiber length exceeds 1129 km and is implemented in SUNET (Swedish University Network) and FUNET (Finnish University and Research Network). The two networks are connected via NORDUnet (Nordic Infrastructure for Research & Education) and the links are DWDM-based (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing). Both SP and MIKES maintain local representations of UTC and contribute with clock data to TAI, which gives the opportunity to compare the fiber-based method with those independent methods that are used regularly by the laboratories for the links to UTC. Preliminary results show that a time transfer stability of less than 10 picoseconds is obtained for averaging times of a few hundred seconds. The results also show that the method suffers from daily variations of a few nanoseconds, presumably due to temperature sensitive network equipment and asymmetric fiber paths. Nevertheless, a comparison to GPS carrier phase time transfer over three months shows an rms-agreement of less than 1 nanosecond.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 43rd Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting November 14 - 17, 2011 Hyatt Regency Long Beach Long Beach, California
Pages:	431 - 442
Cite this article:	Ebenhag, S.-C., Jaldehag, K., Rieck, C., Jarlemark, P., Hedekvist, P.O., Löthberg, P., Fordell, T., Merimaa, M., "Time Transfer Between UTC(SP) and UTC(MIKE) Using Frame Detection In Fiber-Optical Communication Networks," Proceedings of the 43rd Annual Precise Time and Time Interval Systems and Applications Meeting, Long Beach, California, November 2011, pp. 431-442.
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