Seeking Intel NIC with Timing Support for GNSS-Synchronized O-RAN Deployment

[Mutua]

We are currently testing a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) O-RAN Control Plane implementation in our lab. The goal is to fan out both PTP and SyncE to multiple time-dependent components—namely DUs, RUs, and other synchronized applications. We initially started with the Intel Ethernet XXV710-DA2T Dual Port 25G NIC (SFP28 & SMA). However, during evaluation, we discovered it lacks the necessary hardware support for precise time synchronization (PTP/SyncE), particularly the PHY-level timestamping and oscillator tuning required for Grandmaster and boundary clock roles. After further research, we noted references to the Intel E810 series as well as FPGA-based NICs for timing-sensitive applications, but we haven’t found definitive documentation or product guidance.

We are seeking:

• A list of Intel NICs that support both PTP (IEEE 1588-2008/2019) and SyncE, ideally with GNSS input capability (e.g., via SMA or PCIe-based solutions)

• Recommended NIC models for building a GNSS-disciplined Grandmaster or boundary clock node

• User guides or reference implementations (LinuxPTP, phc2sys, hardware configuration, supported kernel versions)

• Clarification on E810 variants (e.g., E810-XXVDA2, E810-CQDA2) and their SyncE/PTP feature support

Our lab environment is Linux-based, and we plan to use LinuxPTP, ptp4l, and phc2sys for clock distribution and discipline

Any help identifying a suitable Intel NIC or timing hardware, along with relevant technical resources, would be highly appreciated.

Thank you!

[Mutua]

 

[Mutua]

https://community.intel.com/t5/Ethernet-Products/5G-RAN-Timing-and-Synchronization/m-p/1689495/emcs_t/S2h8ZW1haWx8dG9waWNfc3Vic2NyaXB0aW9ufE1BTTdPNkFJU0dNN0FFfDE2ODk0OTV8U1VCU0NSSVBUSU9OU3xoSw#M41754

[BoonBengT_Altera]

Hi @Mutua,

Thank you for posting in Intel community forum, hope all is well and apologies for the delayed in response.

Just to clarify further which product are you working with? Reason for this question as different product would have different areas of expertise.

Hence by know the product that you are working with, it would helps us further to get the right team to answer your question.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Best Wishes

BB

[Mutua]

Thanks,

I had hoped to get advice on which products support PTP & SyncE. At this point, i'm just looking for documentation/utilities to deploy PTP & SyncE using the Linux PTP Stack and Intel NICs/FPGAs.  We have XXV710-DA2T Dual Port 25G NIC (SFP28 & SMA) in the lab and have ordered E810-XXVDA4TG1. I have had this post with the Ethernet group and they send me here. 

[BoonBengT_Altera]

Hi @Mutua,

Thanks form patients and clarifying on the product.

Product on hands seems to be NIC related and you are looking to explore FPGA as well if I understand the situation correctly.

Please do allow some time for us to sync internally for the mention documents.

Best Wishes

BB

[BoonBengT_Altera]

Hi @Mutua

Thanks for the hold, for FPGA o-ran related implementation we do have user guide available as below:

- https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/docs/programmable/683238/25-1/about-the-o-ran.html (Explains the features available of the IP)

- https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/docs/programmable/683218/24-3/o-ran-design-example-functional-description.html (design example with support FPGA devices)

For mention PTP & SyncE feature, FPGAs can be used to generate and process the necessary clocks and signals for PTP and SyncE. This includes generating the reference clock for PTP and the frequency reference for SyncE.

hope that clarify.

Best Wishes

BB

[BoonBengT_Altera]

Hi @Mutua,

Good day, just following up on the previous clarification.

By any chances did you managed to look into it?

Hope to hear from you soon.

Best Wishes

BB

[BoonBengT_Altera]

Hi @Mutua,

Greetings, as we do not receive any further clarification/updates on the matter, hence would assume challenge are overcome. 

Please login to ‘ https://supporttickets.intel.com/s/?language=en_US’, view details of the desire request, and post a feed/response within the next 15 days to allow me to continue to support you. After 15 days, this thread will be transitioned to community support. The community users will be able to help you on your follow-up questions. For new queries, please feel free to open a new thread and we will be right with you. Pleasure having you here.

Best Wishes

BB