Expert Assessment for Your Critical Network Timing
A 1-on-1 session with a senior synchronization expert
High-level analysis of your current timing architecture
Identification of your top 3 synchronization risks
Actionable recommendations for improving resilience and performance
Join network engineers from utility, telco, cable and enterprise
companies who trust Syncworks expertise.
Expert Assessment for Your Critical Network Timing
A 1-on-1 session with a senior synchronization expert
High-level analysis of your current timing architecture
Identification of your top 3 synchronization risks
Actionable recommendations for improving resilience and performance
Join network engineers from Utility, Telco, Cable and Enterprise
companies who trust Syncworks expertise.
You Can't Afford to
Guess with Network Timing
Is Your Legacy Gear a Liability?
End of life BITS clocks present support challenges and are a growing OPEX drain. We'll help you map out a risk-free modernization plan.
Are You Over-Reliant on GNSS?
GNSS vulnerability is a real concern for today’s timing networks. We’ll provide you with backup options for GNSS to increase reliability and resiliency.
Struggling to Meet 5G Demands?
The nanosecond-level accuracy required for 5G is non-negotiable. We’ll review your networks ability to meet 3GPP Time Synchronization requirements.
Tired of Chasing "Phantom" Issues?
Difficult-to-diagnose timing problems waste time and resources. We'll help you build an architecture that provides clarity and simplifies troubleshooting.
From Problem to Plan:
How the Assessment Works
Request Your Session
Fill out the form. A Syncworks specialist will contact you to schedule a 30-minute call at your convenience.
Deep Dive Discussion
In our collaborative session, we'll discuss your specific network, challenges, and goals. This is a technical, solution-oriented conversation, not a sales pitch.
Receive Actionable Insights
You'll leave the call with a clearer understanding of your network's risks and a high-level strategic path for building a more resilient and reliable timing infrastructure.
From Problem to Plan:
How the Assessment Works
Request Your Session
Fill out the form. A Syncworks specialist will contact you to schedule a 30-minute call at your convenience.
Deep Dive Discussion
In our collaborative session, we'll discuss your specific network, challenges, and goals. This is a technical, solution-oriented conversation, not a sales pitch.
Receive Actionable Insights
You'll leave the call with a clearer understanding of your network's risks and a high-level strategic path for building a more resilient and reliable timing infrastructure.
Ready To Build a more resilient network?
Take the first step. A conversation with our experts today can prevent costly network failures tomorrow.
Case Studies
Telecom: Emergency Response for City-Wide Outage
Customer Challenge
A major telecommunications provider experienced a catastrophic city-wide outage in West Virginia caused by a critical DCD (Digital Clock Distributor) failure. The failure disrupted synchronization across multiple network elements, affecting voice, data, and emergency services for hundreds of thousands of customers. With legacy BITS infrastructure and limited spare parts availability, the provider faced mounting pressure to restore services while managing public safety concerns and regulatory compliance issues.
Syncworks Response
Leveraging our 24/7 emergency response capabilities, Syncworks deployed experienced field engineers within 24 hours of the initial outage notification. Our technical team immediately assessed the failure, identified the critical path for restoration, and coordinated with our extensive spare parts inventory to source emergency replacement equipment. We implemented a rapid deployment protocol, prioritizing the most critical network elements to restore basic services while planning for comprehensive system replacement.
Solution Details
Our engineers implemented a multi-phase restoration approach:
Phase 1: Emergency restoration using loaner equipment from our rapid replacement program, establishing basic synchronization to restore essential services
Phase 2: Deployment of modern timing infrastructure to replace the failed legacy BITS distribution system
Phase 3: Implementation of enhanced monitoring and redundancy to prevent future single points of failure
The solution included installation of redundant timing sources with robust holdover capabilities and improved GNSS reception with proper antenna placement and grounding.
Business Impact
Services were restored within 48 hours, minimizing customer impact and regulatory exposure. The provider was able to restore legacy services with resilient and modernized timing infrastructure, reducing future outage risks. The rapid response prevented a considerable lost in revenue and maintained the provider's reputation for reliability during a critical situation.
Utilities - Mitigating GNSS Vulnerabilities with Resilient Core Timing
Customer Challenge
A major utility company needed to establish enhanced timing infrastructure to improve grid resilience and support digital substation automation initiatives. The existing timing system relied heavily on GPS sources, creating vulnerability to interference and outages that could impact critical protection and control systems. The utility required compliance with NERC CIP standards while implementing IEC 61850 substation automation protocols that demanded precise synchronization for Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) and protection relay coordination.
Syncworks Response
Our team conducted comprehensive timing risk assessments across the utility's infrastructure to identify critical vulnerabilities and develop a phased implementation plan. We designed a robust ePRTC architecture that provided autonomous timing capability with extended holdover during GNSS outages. Our approach included custom solutions for integrating with existing SCADA systems and ensuring compliance with utility-specific requirements and industry standards.
Solution Details
The implementation included:
- Deployment of ePRTC core timing infrastructure with Cesium atomic clocks providing >14 days of holdover
- Integration of GNSS firewalls and robust antenna systems for enhanced security
- Implementation of PTP Power Profile (IEEE C37.238) for substation automation
- Development of redundant timing distribution using both PTP over fiber and traditional IRIG-B
- Comprehensive monitoring and management systems for centralized visibility and control
- Custom training programs for operations and maintenance staff
Business Impact
The utility achieved enhanced grid resilience with autonomous timing capability, reducing vulnerability to GNSS outages by 90%. The ePRTC infrastructure supported advanced grid automation initiatives, enabling more efficient operations and improved reliability metrics. The implementation contributed to a 25% reduction in protection system misoperations and enhanced compliance with NERC CIP requirements.
Utilities: Critical Antenna Installation Under Time Constraints
Customer Challenge
A regional utility faced with urgent timing infrastructure needs to maintain network reliability during a critical maintenance window. The existing GPS antenna system had failed, leaving critical protection and monitoring systems without reliable time reference. The utility needed immediate restoration of timing services while planning for long-term infrastructure improvements. The project required completion within a 48-hour window to avoid impacting weekend maintenance schedules and system reliability.
Syncworks Response
Our emergency response team mobilized immediately, deploying experienced field engineers with pre-configured equipment from our rapid replacement inventory. We conducted accelerated site surveys to identify optimal antenna placement and developed streamlined installation procedures to meet the critical timeline. Our approach prioritized immediate restoration while ensuring proper installation standards and long-term reliability.
Solution Details
The emergency installation featured:
- Rapid deployment of ruggedized GNSS antenna systems with enhanced signal reception
- Implementation of proper grounding and lightning protection following industry standards
- Strategic cable routing and weatherproofing for long-term reliability
- Integration with existing timing distribution infrastructure
- Comprehensive testing and validation to ensure performance compliance
- Documentation and handover to utility maintenance teams
Business Impact
Critical timing services were restored within the 48-hour window, maintaining utility operations and avoiding potential service disruptions. The installation provided enhanced reliability with improved GNSS reception and protection against environmental factors. The utility achieved compliance with timing requirements while establishing a foundation for future infrastructure improvements and modernization initiatives.
Telecom: Modernization of the Sync and Timing Network
Customer Challenge
Legacy Network to support, scarce spare parts and in-house expertise to design a secure and reliable network where the legacy and the new technology can coexist and make a seamless transition when ready.
Syncworks Response
Evaluate the details of current network and services and the expansion plan to most vulnerable points of the network to later design a plan to overlay or replace 20-30 years-old BITS distributions with a futureproof platform.
Solution Details
Overlayed (and in some cases replace) the legacy BITS distribution clocks with new solutions that provided support for the SONET network but also enabled the customer to plan for an even more resilient network with ePRTC nodes (ePRTC + GPS Firewall + Cesium + BITS)
Business Impact
Minimized any possible future outages for outdated and manufacturer discontinued equipment in the network, ability to reinforce security, and centralized sync visibility.
Telecom: Next-Generation Wireless Backhaul PTP Deployment
Customer Challenge
A leading telecommunications provider needed to implement one of the industry's most advanced PTP deployments to support their next-generation 5G wireless backhaul network. The project required sub-microsecond timing accuracy across a distributed network architecture while ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure. The provider faced complex requirements including G.8275.1 and G.8275.2 profile compliance, GNSS vulnerability mitigation, and seamless integration with legacy TDM systems during the transition period.
Syncworks Response
Our engineering team conducted comprehensive network assessments and developed a custom timing architecture design that met all performance requirements while providing maximum flexibility for future expansion. We created detailed implementation plans including site-specific designs, equipment specifications, and migration strategies. Our approach included extensive pre-deployment testing and validation to ensure seamless integration with existing network elements.
Solution Details
The deployment featured:
- Implementation of ePRTC (Enhanced Primary Reference Time Clock) core infrastructure with Cesium atomic clocks for extended -holdover
- Deployment of PTP Clients as needed using TimeProvider 4100 systems across the transport network
- Integration of GNSS firewalls and robust antenna systems for vulnerability mitigation
- Comprehensive PTP profile implementation supporting both Full Timing Support (FTS) and Assisted Partial Timing Support (APTS) as required by the network.
- Custom training programs for operations and engineering teams on PTP management and troubleshooting
Business Impact
The provider achieved industry-leading timing performance with required accuracy across their 5G backhaul network, enabling advanced wireless services and positioning them as a technology leader. The resilient architecture reduced GNSS dependency while maintaining strict compliance with 5G timing requirements. The deployment supports the increase in network capacity and enabled new revenue streams through enhanced mobile services.
Cable: Large-Scale Antenna Infrastructure Deployment
Customer Challenge
A major cable operator required a comprehensive antenna deployment project involving hundreds of installations across diverse geographic and environmental conditions. The project faced significant challenges including varying site conditions, strict installation timelines, and the need to maintain service continuity during upgrades. Legacy antenna systems required replacement while ensuring compatibility with existing timing distribution infrastructure and meeting modern performance standards for Remote PHY deployments.
Syncworks Response
Our field services team developed a systematic deployment approach with standardized installation procedures while maintaining flexibility for site-specific requirements. We conducted comprehensive pre-deployment site surveys to identify optimal antenna placement, assess existing infrastructure for reuse potential, and develop site-specific installation plans. Our project management approach included coordinated logistics, skilled installation teams, and rigorous quality control processes.
Solution Details
The deployment encompassed:
- Site-by-site assessment and custom antenna design for optimal GNSS reception
- Systematic installation of weatherproof antenna systems with proper grounding and lightning protection
- Strategic reuse of existing infrastructure including cable runs and mounting hardware where appropriate
- Implementation of robust cable management and weatherproof standards
- Comprehensive testing and validation of each installation to ensure performance compliance
- Documentation and training for customer maintenance teams
Business Impact
The project was completed on schedule through strategic infrastructure reuse and optimized installation procedures. The operator achieved improved timing accuracy across their network, supporting advanced services including Remote PHY deployments. The standardized installation approach reduced future maintenance costs and provided a foundation for continued network expansion.
The Trusted Partner for Critical Network Synchronization
We spent weeks chasing what we thought was a transport issue. The Syncworks team came in for a Timing Assessment, and within an hour, they identified a subtle PTP asymmetry problem that our internal teams had completely missed. Their expertise saved us countless hours of troubleshooting and gave us a clear path to resolution. Their assessment was the most valuable meeting we had all quarter.
Director of Network Operations
Regional Telecom Provider
Our biggest concern was migrating our substation timing from legacy IRIG-B without disrupting critical protection schemes. The Syncworks assessment gave us a detailed, phased roadmap to move to a PTP-based system compliant with IEC 61850. They understood the stakes involved and showed us how to de-risk the entire project. We went from uncertainty to a clear, actionable plan.
Substation Engineering Manager
Municipal Power Utility
Your Timing Engineering
Department
Expert guidance for every stage of your network's lifecycle
Frequently Asked Question
What is the primary goal of this assessment?
The goal is to provide you with an expert, third-party analysis of your network's synchronization infrastructure. We aim to identify your most significant risks (like GNSS dependency or legacy equipment failure) and provide a high-level, strategic roadmap for building a more resilient, accurate, and future-proof timing architecture.
Is this a sales pitch for a specific product?
No. This is a technical, solution-oriented consultation led by our synchronization specialists. While our recommendations may involve certain technologies or products, the focus is on diagnosing your unique challenges and discussing architectural best practices, not on selling a specific box. We provide value first.
Who should attend this assessment call from my team?
We recommend including the key technical stakeholders responsible for your network's performance and reliability. This often includes Network Architects, Senior Network Engineers, or Directors of Network Operations. For utilities, involving a Protection & Control or Substation Engineer is highly beneficial.
What do I need to prepare for the call?
No extensive preparation is required for the call itself. To make our session as productive as possible, we ask that you complete our brief Critical Network Assessment Survey after scheduling your session. This survey helps us understand your current timing methods, primary concerns, and future goals ahead of time.
Your Timing Engineering
Department
Expert Guidance for Every Stage of Your Network's Lifecycle
We are a leading provider of timing and synchronization solutions for critical infrastructure networks, serving as a trusted advisor to telecommunications, power utilities, cable, and enterprise organizations for over 20 years across North America and the Caribbean.
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