Distribution of accurate synchronization has been a fundamental prerequisite for the correct operation of telecommunications networks for a long time. The recent evolution of mobile networks (e.g., 5G) has further increased the need for the distribution of accurate and reliable time synchronization, due to wider use of time-division duplex (TDD) techniques and the support of critical infrastructure. The need for time synchronization is increasing in several industries other than telecommunications, as they are building the infrastructure for a smart society. Machine type communications (industrial automation, smart grids, automotive), data centers, network analytics, and finance are some key examples. Accurate location is another key application that often relies on the distribution of accurate timing. Many of these applications require traceability to an official realization of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The new concept of “time as a service” has been introduced as a method of providing time with some level of guarantees. Evolution of the existing time synchronization techniques, as well as the definition of new solutions, is expected to continue to support existing and future needs of all these industries. Definition of new application areas that can benefit from the availability of accurate and reliable time distribution can be anticipated. This Special Issue of IEEE Communications Magazine provides particularly interesting examples of emerging time synchronization needs across the industry for a smart society, including some examples of how the synchronization methods are evolving to meet the new requirements.

中文翻译：

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智能社会的跨行业时间同步

长期以来，准确同步的分布一直是电信网络正确运行的基本前提。由于时分双工 (TDD) 技术的广泛使用和关键基础设施的支持，移动网络（例如 5G）最近的发展进一步增加了对准确可靠时间同步分布的需求。电信以外的多个行业对时间同步的需求正在增加，因为它们正在为智能社会构建基础设施。机器类型通信（工业自动化、智能电网、汽车）、数据中心、网络分析和金融是一些关键示例。准确定位是另一个关键应用，通常依赖于准确定时的分布。其中许多应用程序需要可追溯至协调世界时 (UTC) 的官方实现。引入了“时间即服务”的新概念，作为一种为时间提供某种程度保证的方法。现有时间同步技术的发展以及新解决方案的定义，预计将继续支持所有这些行业的现有和未来需求。可以预期可以从准确和可靠的时间分布的可用性中受益的新应用领域的定义。本期 IEEE 通信杂志特刊提供了整个行业对智能社会新兴时间同步需求的特别有趣的例子，包括同步方法如何发展以满足新要求的一些例子。