Hardware timekeeping platform in stock at Solsta

It is a hardware timekeeping platform – in stock at distributor Solsta - that provides high-speed network interfaces up to 25 Gbps and enables precise time accuracy of less than one nanosecond.

The TimeProvider 4500 grandmaster is capable of supporting very-high-capacity Precision Time Protocol (PTP) transactions. The innovative hardware platform enables higher IEEE-1588 scalability for thousands of clients.

In network locations where range and capacity need to be balanced, namely in C-band 5G deployments, it is critical to be able to serve thousands of gNodeB from a single grandmaster. Depending on the specific sites, the grandmaster could serve very few or a large number of gNodeB base stations.

This results in cost-effective and flexible deployments for operators regardless of scale.

The TimeProvider 4500 grandmaster offers the flexibility to connect to various generations of network elements, which helps to preserve operators’ infrastructure investments.

The platform’s clock is the first 1588 grandmaster with 25 Gbps support.

A customer can connect the TimeProvider 4500 clock to various network devices using a choice of 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps or 25 Gbps network links.

High-speed bandwidth is essential as network element upgrades are migrating towards equipment that requires a minimum of 10 Gbps and, in some cases, up to 100 Gbps.

The extremely high time accuracy of the TimeProvider 4500 grandmaster is particularly important as operators are trying to deploy alternative solutions to GNSS.

A terrestrial option is often considered an attractive solution that can leverage existing optical network deployments to avoid the reliance on GNSS, thus providing a cost-effective way of transferring highly accurate time over long distances.

The need for long-distance transfers translates into a requirement for ever- increasing accuracy needs at the source and regeneration of the time signal.

New hardware assist enhancements include the latest generation of digital synthesizer and Microchip’s PolarFire SoC FPGA. These platform enhancements enable the system to move into the picosecond time accuracy realm.

The advanced hardware platform of the TimeProvider 4500 clock supports all the features of the TimeProvider 4100 clock to ensure that operators deploying the new product can also benefit from their investments in the TimeProvider 4100 series.

The TimeProvider 4500 grandmaster is integrated with the TimePictra synchronization management solution that enables operators to monitor and track real-time troubles and threats with visibility across their entire network.

Other key functions of the TimePictra platform include comprehensive Fault, Configuration, Accounting (Inventory), Performance and Security (FCAPS) management functions; geographical topology and domain navigation; user preference dashboard customization, intuitive web GUI for easy management and more.