Virtual Primary Reference Time Clock (vPRTC)
vPRTC
The virtual Primary Reference Time Clock (vPRTC) is a highly secure and resilient network-based timing architecture that has been developed to meet the expanding needs of modern critical infrastructures including 5G, transportation, data centers, and power utilities.
The resilient architecture alleviates dependency on satellite-based timing sources such as Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) by placing autonomous time scale grade atomic clocks in enhanced Primary Reference Time Clock (ePRTC) area timing-hub sites at the core of a fiber-based terrestrial timing distribution network.
Secure core-timing sites and fiber distribution are 100% in control of the network operator, and immune to potential jamming or spoofing cyber-attacks on satellite-based timing solutions.
vPRTC is rapidly becoming the application needed for our clients who value their customers. Critical Infrastructure for power generation and distribution relies on the use of Position Navigation and Timing (PNT) services delivered by Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) for monitoring and control of power generation and distribution. Implementation of virtual Primary Reference Time Clocks is expanding. The modern smart grid is a highly distributed architecture that is dependent on accurate timing for coordination, protection and control systems. The smart virtual PRTC meets many requirements for those conditions.
Power utility operators also rely on timing services from GNSS for their secure and private network communications in addition to virtual PRTC. These networks deliver critical time information to the local network for event monitoring and logging while providing a high-accuracy common time base which is used to synchronize every device on the network. These networks are also able to deliver PNT information into the telecommunications backbone, allowing for accurate delivery of voice communication and telemetry data throughout the entire power utility’s wide area network.
Virtual Primary Reference Time Clock (vPRTC) and GNSS
To support secure and private network communications, the Virtual Primary Reference Time Clock (vPRTC) is a highly secure and resilient network-based timing architecture that blends our secure GNSS firewall technology, high-precision atomic system clocks and a portfolio of trusted time solutions to meet the expanding needs of modern critical infrastructures such as those required by the power and utility industry.
The combination of GNSS visibility and the vPRTC architecture provides power utility operators with a dual-purpose solution for the use of PNT services as delivered by GNSS. It provides situational awareness about the health of GNSS reception by monitoring and evaluating key GNSS observables in real time to determine if there is risk in the use of PNT delivered by GNSS. It also offers a layer of protection that enables more responsible use of PNT services, including greater resiliency if live-sky delivery of PNT by GNSS is disrupted, degraded, or worse, becomes unavailable. Like a network firewall, this solution creates a dome of protection that strengthens the overall use of PNT services by GNSS for critical power utility infrastructures.
About Syncworks
Syncworks is a the national leader in GPS security. Critical infrastructure in the US is a top priority at the highest level of government. Our mission is to enable, educate, and support efforts to become complaint with celestial and terrestrial GPS systems working together.
Our flagship product, the TimeProvider® 4100, is a gateway clock that accepts multiple inputs from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Synchronous Ethernet (SynE), and IEEE 1588 PTP Grandmaster Clock and E1/T1 digital transmission links.
As of January 1, 2024, we have expanded our Field Services to include Antenna Installation and Entrance Facility Cabling, Legacy Equipment Decom and Traffic Migration, Disposal (hazmat) Services, Radio Commissioning (MW, P-LTE, CBRS), Enterprise Wi-Fi.
For more information, contact sales@syncworks.com or call (904) 280-1234