INTRODUCING CARRIER CLASS PACKETIME™ MODULE FOR NEXT GENERATION NETWORKS

Telecommunications networks around the world are rapidly shifting from circuit switched to packet switched technologies to meet exploding demand for bandwidth in both core and access networks. They understand that packet-based transportation is the foundation of Next Generation Networks that offer services like IPTV and VoIP. As they make this shift, telecom operators recognize that for them to succeed they must bring to managed IP the same high levels of quality assurance their customers have come to expect in the circuit switched environment. To that end, Symmetricom announced in June a carrier class PackeTime™ server card for its SSU-2000 that provides NTP capability for next generation service provider applications such as IPTV, billing record management, QoS measurement systems and IP Service Level Agreement (SLA) monitoring.

In February, the company announced its new carrier class PackeTime server card for its TimeHub™ Building Integrated Timing Supply (BITS) system. This latest carrier class NTP server card is now fully integrated into Symmetricom's SSU-2000 Synchronization Supply Unit, which is sold in international markets as well as our domestic market.

At present there are several SSU-2000 trials that are integrating the carrier class PackeTime server card throughout their network. Orders are now being accepted for the PackeTime module for the SSU-2000. The module will be shipping on a limited basis in September with general availability in November 2007.

The key is that this NTP server card is carrier class.

The new module provides the performance, scale, availability and security that assure high QoS delivery of advanced services such as IPTV and VoIP. Today, carriers are finding that "best effort" NTP is not sufficient for high QoS packet networks and advanced services. Next generation network applications are highly dependent on carrier class NTP. Time coordination of massive amounts of digital content in the headend serving locations is reliant on accurate and secure NTP timestamps.

"NTP requirements in telecommunication networks have rapidly evolved from a 'best effort' utility, to a mission critical requirement for high QoS content delivery," commented David Boone, director of product management at Symmetricom. "PackeTime server cards provide full redundancy and sub 10 microsecond accuracy to support demanding NGN application requirements."

"NTP is no longer just a time stamping application for billing systems, but now plays a critical role in SLA time stamping, VoIP services and other real-time application services like TV and video over IP,” said Gurdip Jande, senior vice president of marketing at Symmetricom. “The SSU-2000 platform is the most widely deployed synchronization supply unit in core UK telecom network infrastructure, and now with the carrier class PackeTime module, is a true next generation network-ready synchronization supply unit for wireline and wireless networks as they evolve to an all IP architecture."

High performance features of the carrier-class PackeTime module include:
   • High Availability and Protection - Carrier class reliability with full redundancy; five nines availability
   • High Performance - Superior, consistent accuracy with hardware time stamping
   • Card Based Scalability - Packet rate and capacity scale with network growth without bringing down precision and accuracy
   • Security and Authentication - Enhanced protection for mission critical applications
   • NEBS Level 3 Certification - Carrier class equipment

The PackeTime module provides superior stability and protection through direct connection to the SSU-2000 system backplane and can be installed as single servers or redundant pairs in any available master or expansion shelf output slot. The server cards can support both independent public and private network domains, providing added security and flexibility. All configuration and management is consolidated through SSU-2000 system management ports to maintain security and isolation from NTP traffic ports.

For more information, visit: http://ngn.symmetricom.com/products/PackeTime/Server_Cards_SSU-2000.asp.