PTP client capacity doubled for LTE synchronisation clock

The higher capacity further facilitates ease of deployment as installed TimeProvider 2700s can be upgraded to greater client capacity without additional hardware. This significantly improves scalability and easily accommodates future network growth for PTP capacity expansion while minimising future hardware investment or replacements. The capability to support up to 128 PTP clients also extends to Microsemi’s TimeProvider 2300 Edge Boundary Clock.

Advanced services delivered via LTE and LTE-A require densification of the wireless Radio Access Network (RAN) in dense metro and urban areas, causing greater support needs for larger numbers of clients/RAN nodes in network. Microsemi’s increased PTP TP2700 capacity now enables operators to deliver accurate frequency and phase to double the number of end nodes, allowing delivery of these advanced services to end customers.

The 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 services experience for end users. With full support of International Telecommunications Union 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.

According to the Global Mobile Suppliers Association, 79 carriers in total have launched, deployed or are trialling 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 200 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.

The TimeProvider series features IEEE 1588 PTP Grand Masters that enable communications service providers to build an accurate, robust and reliable network timing infrastructure. The TimeProvider 5000 is optimised for high PTP client capacity and full redundancy from the core supporting both ITU-T G.8265.1 and ITU-T G.8275.1 profiles.

The TimeProvider 2700 Edge Grandmaster Clock and TimeProvider 2300 Edge Boundary Clock provide synchronisation in the mobile backhaul network and small cell aggregation locations. These edge master clocks are optimised to help enable cost effective deployments, mitigate asymmetric timing errors and meet the stringent synchronisation requirements of 4G/LTE networks.

The indoor Integrated GNSS Master IGM-1100i provides synchronisation for in-building, convenient and cost-effective deployments at the very outside edge of the network. Eliminating the need for external GPS antennas and deployed with Power over Ethernet, the IGM-1100i is a breakthrough technology for small cell synchronisation.

Microsemi also builds the leading edge silicon based embedded IEEE 1588 PTP slave clocks and boundary clocks designed into a wide range of base stations, small cells and PTP aware switching equipment.

End-to-end synchronisation management of all clocks is completed with Microsemi’s TimePictra software, which now extends beyond Microsemi clocks to include supporting the monitoring of third party PTP slave clocks. Sync monitoring is suitable for closely observing and tracking the end-to-end synchronisation chain, including embedded boundary clocks, end-point slave clocks found in on path switching elements and end point base stations or small cells.

"Microsemi is the world's standard for time and we are committed to continuing to develop timing solutions from the network core to the edge," said Barry Dropping, Director of Product Management, Frequency & Timing Division, Microsemi. "As technologies and standards such as LTE Advanced and small cells are deployed, we are dedicated to providing our customers solutions that will leverage their existing network investment to meet their evolving needs.”

The 128 PTP client capacity option for the TimeProvider 2700 and TimeProvider 2300 models is available now.