Networking synch, timing move into access

Network synchronization and timing are moving out of their comfy core network homes. Typically associated only with the highest level equipment residing at the core of the network, both technologies are being pushed into the access network by Symmetricom, which is announcing today a system geared for the edge.

The company said part of the reason to push its TimeProvider system to the access portion of the network comes from the move by carriers to deploy packet-based systems closer to the edge. The transition points between packet and circuit elements are the most prone to high error rates and potential failure.

“What we’ve been making up to now is core synch systems or big iron,” said John Ehrig, director of marketing for Symmetricom’s telecom solutions division. “That’s not really appropriate for now. We’ve seen this push for services on the edge.”

Like its core brethren, the edge version of TimeProvider is synchronized with other timing devices deeper in the network and is designed to improve overall network efficiency and quality of service. It tracks and qualifies incoming timing references while filtering jitter and wander. At the same time, it can distribute precise synchronization and timing signals to other devices at the edge.

“The carriers have been deploying synch from the top down, but that’s changing,” said Eduardo Inzunza, vice president of marketing for Symmetricom’s telecom solutions division.

Commercial availability for the TimeProvider is planned for October.