Precision and Ubiquitous Timing at Sea

This project focuses on and investigating the feasibility of resilient timing and frequency for synchronisation (TFS) over 5G Integrated Access Backhaul (IAB) standards, such as IEEE1588 or 3PP TS 23.501\. This project will provide the underlying understanding required to enhance the current high-speed and low-latency data and communication capabilities of JET Engineering System Solutions' (JET-ESS) 5G meshed network infrastructure.

The project will establish the integration development of Precision Time Protocol (PTP) transparent clock capabilities into JET ESS' remote 5G software layers, tracking how long it takes a signal to travel through the mesh, to synchronise operator, sensor and autonomous time at sea with a reference on-land. The project will leverage existing work to simulate TFS to develop the complex operations needed. This will outline the required standards, protocols and algorithms that will need to be innovatively developed and integrated into JET-ESS' current 5G processing software to enable TFS across our scalable network. The development of 5G IAB TFS protocols removes total reliance on GNSS/GPS for timing, which are often absent or disrupted offshore, and impacting 5G when rolled out as a larger mesh network. However, where available GNSS/GPS will enable the validation of absolute time value at the end-user over the network. This project underpins the total synchronisation of 5G and 6G network infrastructure, disrupting the telecoms market and creating advanced markets surrounding 5G enabled surveying, autonomous drones, and vessel capability applications surrounding offshore wind farm installation.