Synchronizing a cloud radio access network to a network time protocol reference clock

Abstract

A cloud radio access network (C-RAN) includes a baseband controller communicatively coupled to a plurality of radio points (RP) via a fronthaul network. Each of the plurality of RPs are configured to exchange radio frequency (RF) signals with at least one user equipment (UE). At least one of the RPs is configured to determine a timing difference while synchronizing to the baseband controller; and determine a frequency error, between the RP and a neighboring base station, based on a radio environment monitoring (REM) procedure. A phase error is determined, between the baseband controller and the neighboring base station, phase error is determined based on the timing difference for the RP and baseband controller, and the frequency error for the RP and the neighboring base station.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.