Network

Symmetricom’s new carrier class PackeTime module SSU-2000 Network Time Protocol server card is being introduced. Chronos Technology, the UK based specialist supplier of synchronisation equipment and solutions to the wireline and wireless telecom operators market, has announced the availability of its US partner Symmetricom’s second carrier class PackeTime server card. The card provides carrier class NTP capability for next generation service provider applications such as IPTV, Billing Record Management, QoS Measurement Systems and IP Service Level Agreement (SLA) Monitoring.

Telecoms carriers are finding that “best effort” NTP is not sufficient for high QoS packet networks and advanced services, Chronos says. 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.

Charles Curry, Managing Director of Chronos and Founder of the International Telecom Sync Forum Steering Group, said “The SSU platform is now the most widely deployed synchronisation element in the core UK telecom network infrastructure. Now that Symmetricom has implemented carrier class NTP as a new feature within the SSU200 we consider this to be really important development for our customer base. NTP is no longer just a time stamping application for billing systems; it now has a major role to play with for example SLA time stamping and VoIP services.” He added: “As we evolve to next generation packet switched networks, Tier 1 operators must deliver carrier class services with high reliability. This NTP feature enhancement is clear evidence that the Symmetricom SSU2000 is a true Next Generation Network (NGN) ready SSU delivering not only traditional timing - “synchronisation”, but now also “time” from one converged platform to important infrastructure and new applications as wireline and wireless networks evolve to an all IP architecture.”

The module will be shipping on a limited basis in September with general availability in November 2007. For clients looking for a standalone NTP solution, Chronos also has the Symmetricom S250 GPS Network Time Server.