Microwave Journal
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Symmetricom and Alcatel-Lucent to Collaborate on IEEE 1588 PTP Synchronization Solutions

April 28, 2010

Symmetricom® Inc., a supplier of precise time and frequency technologies, announced the company will collaborate with Alcatel-Lucent on solutions that use Symmetricom’s IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) synchronization technology. This technology is used by service providers migrating to Ethernet transport for mobile backhaul and opting for IEEE 1588-2008 as the Node-B timing solution. Synchronization of base stations is a critical component in ensuring quality of service in Ethernet-based networks.

Alcatel-Lucent conducted extensive testing of IEEE 1588 grandmaster synchronization solutions and selected Symmetricom based on its exceptional levels of performance, redundancy and interoperability. Alcatel-Lucent will resell Symmetricom’s TimeProvider® 5000 IEEE 1588 Grandmaster Clock and its IEEE 1588 Blades for the SSU 2000 and TimeHub®.

“As one of the most experienced providers of mobile backhaul solutions in the industry, Alcatel-Lucent recognizes the importance of network synchronization in delivering quality of service to customers,” said Steve Dyck, Director, Mobile Backhaul Solutions, Alcatel-Lucent. “After completing extensive interoperability testing of Symmetricom’s IEEE 1588 capability, we’ve determined that Symmetricom’s comprehensive PTP solutions, backed by the company’s expertise and advanced synchronization technology, will enable us to provide seamless and advanced end-to-end synchronization solutions for Ethernet-based mobile backhaul applications.”

Symmetricom’s IEEE 1588 server platform meets the most stringent timing and synchronization requirements of Ethernet backhaul. Symmetricom’s TimeProvider 5000 Grandmaster Clock has proven to be interoperable with Alcatel-Lucent’s Service Routers, and W-CDMA and LTE base stations. The integration of Symmetricom’s TimePictra management platform with Alcatel-Lucent’s 5620 Service Aware Manager platform will allow service providers to centrally monitor and control the end-to-end mobile backhaul solution through one single interface.

“We are pleased that Alcatel-Lucent has confirmed that Symmetricom’s proven IEEE 1588 technology is a strong option for addressing the challenges of synchronization in Ethernet-based mobile backhaul,” commented Eric Colard, Vice President of Business Development at Symmetricom. “The combined Symmetricom and Alcatel-Lucent solution is an excellent option to deliver unparalleled performance, seamless integration and carrier-class reliability for W-CDMA and LTE mobile operators using Ethernet transport.”