Date: 22/11/2008

Symmetricom Offers IEEE 1588 PTP client portfolio

Symmetricom now offers IEEE 1588v2 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) client portfolios with three PTP client options to help network equipment manufacturers and service providers to migrate existing TDM-based backhaul networks to Ethernet backhaul. The three options are,

1. The TimeProvider 500 Translator -- For carriers, this external "client in a box" solution offers a cost effective, immediate migration path to Ethernet backhaul with IEEE 1588 PTP.
2. The Client Module -- For network equipment manufacturers, the board implementation allows rapid integration into base transceiver stations where network vendors can "plug and play" the IEEE 1588 PTP technology into existing equipment, eliminating entire system upgrades and reducing risk.
3. The Soft Client -- Also for network equipment manufacturers the embedded client offers a very low cost and flexible option since network design engineers can integrate the software-based client into their own designs.

With IEEE 1588v2 PTP, different end-devices in an Ethernet network can be synchronized, allowing operators to distribute precise timing and frequency throughout the network to ensure the stringent quality levels required for next generation applications and services.

The TimeProvider 500 Translator is actively engaged in lab trials with numerous network service providers and is shipping in limited quantities. The PTP Client Module and PTP Soft Client are scheduled to ship in early 2009. The TimeProvider 5000 IEEE 1588 v2 carrier-class grandmaster clock is expected to ship by the end of 2008.