Abstract: Next Generation Digital Subscriber Line (NG-DSL) technology uses high carrier number and high orthogonal amplitude OFDM modulation mode, which puts forward higher requirements for signal synchronization. A new symbol timing algorithm based on data-aided, that is a symbol timing synchronization algorithm based on minimum energy difference is proposed. The algorithm with variable step search method uses less steps to search the minimum accurately and quickly, which greatly reduces the complexity of the algorithm. Finally, the comprehensive performance of the algorithm is compared. The simulation results showed that the new algorithm has low complexity, accurate timing in NG-DSL environment and anti-twisted-pair channel tail interference performance. These characteristics can meet the requirements of NG-DSL for symbol timing synchronization algorithm.