Case Study: Critical Antenna Installation Under Time Constraints
AT A GLANCE
Project type: Emergency timing restoration
Site count: 1 critical utility site
Root cause: GNSS antenna failure
Response: Same-day shipment and rapid field installation
Outcome: Timing locked to GNSS and all alarms cleared within 24 hours of the initial issue.
CUSTOMER CHALLENGE
A regional utility lost its GNSS time reference when the roof-mounted antenna failed. With timing alarms active, the utility needed immediate restoration to protect network reliability during a tight operational window. 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.
Before replacing hardware, the team also needed confirmation that the failure was isolated to the antenna and not the coax path, since replacing the entire coax run was not viable for long cable lengths. In many roof-mount installations, coax runs can exceed 75 ft, which makes full cable replacement expensive, time-consuming, and disruptive.
SYNCWORKS RESPONSE
Syncworks initiated an emergency response for a single site and began troubleshooting with coax voltage testing to validate the fault domain. Once the antenna was confirmed as the failure point, we staged a replacement from inventory and shipped the same day. In parallel, we planned an installation approach optimized for a roof environment, focusing on safe access, secure mounting, proper cable handling, and rapid service restoration.
SOLUTION DELIVERED
Syncworks provided a roof-mount antenna replacement and restoration workflow that included:
• Coax voltage testing to verify the antenna as the fault source
• Rapid deployment of a replacement GNSS antenna suitable for outdoor rooftop conditions
• Proper mounting, weather sealing, and cable protection to support long-term reliability
• Integration with the existing timing distribution system without requiring full coax replacement
• Post-install validation to confirm GNSS lock state and clear active timing alarms
• Documentation and handoff details for the utility’s maintenance team
ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA
Success was defined by two outcomes:
- All timing-related alarms cleared after installation
- The timing system locked back to GNSS and remained stable
RESULTS AND BUSINESS IMPACT
Syncworks received the problem report, shipped the replacement the same day, and restored GNSS-locked timing within 24 hours. The utility regained a reliable time reference without extending downtime for long coax replacement, helping preserve operational continuity and reduce risk during a critical period.
ABOUT SYNCWORKS
Syncworks is a timing and synchronization partner for critical networks across telecom, utilities, cable, data centers, and public safety. We deliver turnkey services that span architecture design, field installation, integration, validation, and lifecycle support, including SyncCare 24/7 coverage. As a Microchip Diamond Partner and 2024 Partner of the Year, we focus on engineering-led execution and quality control so customers receive tested, deployment-ready solutions built for reliability and resilience.
For additional information, contact sales@syncworks.com or call (904) 280-1234. Within the continental U.S., we can typically deliver within 24 hours to 99 percent of counties, depending on site location and carrier constraints.
