Microsemi quadruples precision time protocol client capacity

The device now provides simultaneous hardware time stamping support of up to 512 PTP clients, resulting in a significant cost benefit using a single GM clock. In addition, the clock now provides ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) G.8275.1 PTP phase profile supportto address stringent synchronisation requirements.

Microsemi’s enhanced TimeProvider 2700/2300 clocks raise the bar for client capacity available from a single PTP GM device targeted at the LTE market, offering increased client capacity from 128 PTP clients to 512 PTP clients. The additional G.8275.1 PTP phase profile support has been enabled with a new software update, which is suitable for customers in the communications market seeking to upgrade their LTE networks with the latest synchronisation capabilities. Both upgrades are available on new as well as deployed TimeProvider 2700/2300 clocks, without additional hardware.

“As a market leader delivering high value PTP grandmaster clocks, we are pleased to announce our higher client capacity, which further facilitates ease of deployment for our TimeProvider 2700/2300 clocks with significantly improved scalability and future network growth capabilities for customers,” said Barry Dropping, Director of Product Management, Microsemi's Frequency & Timing division. “The additional G.8275.1 PTP profile for phase not only increases flexibility and utility, but is also supported by our timing PTP chipsets, complementing Microsemi’s other product offerings to deliver complete end-to-end timing solutions.”

Microsemi’s 512 PTP client capacity capabilities meet the evolving client density requirements as LTE networks scale up with the ever-increasing base station and small cell deployments worldwide. Microsemi’s devices can manage the increased client count at full PTP message rate, resulting in no potential compromise in end-to-end accuracy which can be the case with alternative solutions that limit the PTP timing message rates at higher client counts.

With more Microsemi customers now requiring support for the G.8275.1 PTP profile for phase as they plan for LTE-TDD and LTE-A network deployments, the company’s latest enhancement for the TP2300/2700 family will help ensure their networks are well-equipped for continued growth.

According to the Global Mobile Suppliers Association (GSA), 79 carriers in total have launched, deployed or are trialing LTE Advanced technologies in their networks. The GSA also said 21 operators have launched LTE Advanced carrier aggregation in 14 countries. With IEEE 1588 solutions deployed globally in more than 350 networks, and the company’s SyncWorld Ecosystem Program, Microsemi is committed to delivering the industry's most comprehensive synchronisation solutions for these 4G/LTE networks.

Microsemi’s TimeProvider series features the industry's first offering of optimised synchronisation solutions that deliver precise time from the core to the network edge, supporting the rapid transition to Ethernet mobile backhaul and improving the mobile service experience for end users. With full support ofInternational Telecommunications Union (ITU) approved PTP profiles for frequency and phase synchronisation and superior client capacity scalability, the TimeProvider series enables wireless operators to seamlessly migrate their networks forward to assure high quality service for LTE and small cell deployments.