Impact of Transceiver Selection on Synchronization Accuracy in White Rabbit Networks

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that DWDM transceivers significantly improve synchronization accuracy in White Rabbit networks by reducing temperature-induced time offset variations compared to BiDi WDM transceivers.

Contribution

The paper provides an experimental comparison showing DWDM transceivers offer superior stability and accuracy over BiDi WDM transceivers in temperature-variable environments for White Rabbit synchronization.

Findings

DWDM transceivers are nearly thirteen times less sensitive to temperature changes.

Using DWDM transceivers results in smaller time offsets in optical networks.

Experimental setup simulates real-world environmental conditions for accurate testing.

Abstract

Achieving optimal synchronization accuracy between two White Rabbit devices hinges on the proper selection of transceivers, which act as electro-optical converters connecting WR devices to the optical network infrastructure. The correct choice of transceivers can significantly improve resilience to changes in the time offset between WR devices due to temperature fluctuations in the connecting optical fiber. To compare the performance of BiDi WDM and DWDM transceivers, an experimental setup was established under laboratory conditions to simulate a real optical network used for distributing precise time and frequency between two remote locations. The optical connection was emulated by integrating a 20 km G.652.D optical fiber into a climatic chamber, which provided variable environmental conditions similar to those experienced in real applications. The study compared BiDi WDM 1310/1550 nm transceivers with DWDM Ch33/Ch34 transceivers. Results showed that DWDM transceivers exhibited nearly thirteen times less sensitivity to temperature-induced changes in the optical connection, leading to a smaller time offset. Therefore, for achieving the highest accuracy in synchronizing WR devices in practical applications, DWDM transceiver technology is essential.