Intel Ethernet Network Adapter E810-CQDA2T

Increasing growth in 5G RAN and edge deployments is driving demand for high-precision timing synchronization across the network. Meet these challenging requirements head-on with a standards-based PCIe adapter that provides greater flexibility at a lower price point than single-purpose timing appliances.

Most 5G RAN deployments use 1588 PTP, SyncE, or both to ensure required timing synchronization. Both of these synchronization methods are supported by the E810-CQDA2T, while additional hardware enhancements ensure reliability and accuracy, and provide greater flexibility and simplicity for timing synchronization deployments.

Support for synchronization

Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE) delivers frequency synchronization over Ethernet between SyncE-enabled devices. Extends traditional telecom timing architecture to commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) Ethernet solutions.

IEEE 1588 PTP enables synchronization of systems on a network through the transfer of timing data (including frequency, phase, and time of day) with hardware timestamping in PTP packets.

Onboard high-precision oscillator maintains high accuracy during holdover (when the synchronization source is not available), providing up to four hours with less than +/- 1.5 microsecond of phase error.

Hardware features for deployment flexibility

Optional GNSS mezzanine enables integrated support for frequency, phase, and time-of-day synchronization with Global Navigation Satellite Systems, including GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, BeiDou, and QZSS. Available on E810CQDA2TGG1 only. Subminiature version B (SMB) coaxial connector allows connection to an external active GNSS antenna.

Dual external SubMiniature version A (SMA) coaxial connectors allow connection to external 1PPS timing sources, such as GNSS signaling, devices and to timing recipients, enabling the network adapter to act as a grandmaster and as a timing source for other equipment. The output capability provides a way to audit the phase accuracy of each node.

U.FL connectors, embedded coaxial connectors, allow 1PPS signal connectivity between the adapter and motherboard or another adapter. Dedicated send and receive U.FL ports are embedded on the adapter.

Flexible Configurations

Intel® Ethernet Optics, and specification-compliant Active Optical Cables and Direct Attach Cables, can support multiple configurations.

• Dual Port QSFP28
• IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP)
• Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE)
• Onboard high-precision oscillator
• Optional GNSS mezzanine
• SMA, SMB, and U.FL connectors