Time-metrology with White Rabbit

Purpose and goal

The purpose of the project was a continued study of modern techniques for redundancy and robustness in traceable and metrological time and frequency synchronization. Specifically, the purpose was to study the White-Rabbit (WR) technique over fiber. WR is an Ethernet-based method that offers accurate time transfer at the sub-nanosecond level. The goals included tests of time transfer in both lab environment and in industrial telecom networks with external actors. Several links were established, of which the longest was about 800 km.

Expected results and effects

The work in the project has resulted in the establishment of several WR-links to external actors for testing with the purpose of transferring accurate time and frequency. The links were established in industrial telecom networks with links ranged from about 5 km up to about 800 km (in a "common-clock, back-to-back" mode). Through the project, the national metrology institute at RISE has laid a foundation for expanded research activities in the area and for offering commercial applications in time and frequency distribution.

Planned approach and implementation

The national metrology institute considers that the structure and implementation plan in the project worked satisfactorily. Starting with tests in lab environment is a classic plan that worked well. Contacts and discussions with external actors have worked well and the establishment of links has been implemented, but has taken longer than expected, which means that the total result bank at the end of the project was less than intended for a publication.