Independent Time Transfer in 5G Technology Over IP Core Networks Using PTN Overlay and Comparison With GPS/GNSS-Based Synchronization

Time synchronization is critical for 5G networks, enabling ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC) and massive machine-type communications (mMTC). While GPS/GNSS-based synchronization is widely used, it is susceptible to spoofing, jamming, and signal degradation in urban environments. This paper compares Precision Time Network (PTN-ePTS) with GPS/GNSS synchronization, presenting extensive PTN measurement results from a multi-city testbed in Turkey. The study evaluates synchronization accuracy, jitter, and resilience to network impairments, demonstrating that PTN achieves sub-100 ns accuracy, faster recovery times, and enhanced fault tolerance compared to GPS/GNSS. By leveraging existing IP infrastructure, PTN offers a cost-effective and secure alternative, validated through real-world deployments in Istanbul and Ankara.