Syncworks, Burns & McDonnell, Southern Company Present at UTC 2024

UTC 2024 brings together three powerhouse firms for a good reason.

Southern Company faced the challenge of a SONET to packet network transition and together with Syncworks and Burns & McDonnell, designed and deployed a new MPLS system to provide system-wide transport for critical applications. While at UTC 2024, learn how this initiative introduced stringent new timing requirements and mandated a departure from the frequency BITS clocks traditionally used to synchronize TDM environments. To provide the necessary accuracy and traceability, Southern Company deployed Precision Time Protocol (IEEE 1588 PTP), Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE), and Network Time Protocol (NTP) synchronization sources to provide frequency and time of day for the MPLS, SouthernLinc LTE, and corporate IT networks.

While the enablement of MPLS was the catalyst for IEEE-1588 PTP, it became clear that a highly accurate and reliable packet timing source could be broadly utilized across the network. This UTC 2024 session will explore the various use cases and mutual benefits of packet-based timing, including next-gen transport, mitigation of GPS vulnerabilities and Grid timing backup from a secure telecom core. Learn how to fully leverage your timing investments, plan for emerging applications and navigate the various stakeholders that will come to rely on your clocks.​

Join our speakers at UTC 2024 and gain insight into how you can advance your network.

UTC Telecom & Technology runs from May 20-24, 2024

The UTC Annual Conference (UTC 2024) is your opportunity to join hundreds of information and communications technology (ICT) professionals and technology partners. Each day is filled with opportunities to learn from global experts who aren’t solely talking about modernizing utilities – they’re putting it to work.

You’ll have opportunities to learn at pre-conference training, workshops, roundtables, Summits, four days of education covering all aspects of the ICT industry, and build powerful professional resources in the Exhibit Hall.

UTC 2024 Background

A Utilities Technology Council meeting serves to advocate and provide resources for utilities and critical infrastructure providers, aiming to advance the adoption and use of technology in the industry. UTC focuses on addressing the unique technology and telecommunications challenges faced by utility companies, including electric, gas, and water utilities.

Key Points:
1. Mission: UTC’s mission is to create a favorable business, regulatory, and technological environment for companies in the utility sector to enhance their efficiency, reliability, and safety through the use of information and communication technologies.

2. Members: The organization’s members include utilities, technology suppliers, and other stakeholders like Syncworks involved in the energy and utilities sector. UTC provides a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among its diverse membership.

3. Advocacy: UTC engages in advocacy efforts to influence policies and regulations that impact the deployment and integration of technology in utilities. This includes participating in regulatory proceedings and working with government agencies.

4. Educational Programs: UTC organizes conferences, workshops, and educational programs to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices within the utilities industry. These events often cover topics such as smart grid technologies, cybersecurity, and emerging trends in utility communications.

5. Industry Collaboration: The organization promotes collaboration and partnerships among its members, fostering an environment where utilities can learn from each other’s experiences and work together on common challenges.

6. Focus Areas: UTC addresses a range of technology-related issues relevant to utilities, including grid modernization, cybersecurity, spectrum management, telecommunications infrastructure, and the integration of advanced technologies into utility operations.

Southern Company Background

The Southern Company is a leading energy company that operates in the electric utility sector. It serves millions of customers across the southeastern United States. The company is known for its focus on generating and distributing electricity in a reliable, safe, and environmentally responsible manner.

Key Points:
1. Utilities: The Southern Company operates several subsidiary electric utilities, including Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, and Mississippi Power. Each subsidiary serves customers in its respective state.

2. Energy Mix: The company utilizes a mix of energy sources, including nuclear, coal, natural gas, and renewable energy, to generate electricity. It has been investing in renewable energy projects as part of its commitment to sustainability.

3. Infrastructure: The Southern Company maintains a vast infrastructure of power plants, transmission lines, and distribution networks to ensure a stable and efficient supply of electricity to its customers.

4. Innovation: The company has been involved in initiatives related to research and innovation in the energy sector. This includes exploring advanced technologies and solutions to meet evolving energy needs.

5. Environmental Stewardship: The Southern Company places emphasis on environmental stewardship and has taken steps to reduce its carbon footprint. It has set goals for cleaner energy production and reducing emissions.

Burns & McDonnell Background

Burns & McDonnell is a multidisciplinary engineering and construction company that provides a wide range of services across various industries. The firm is known for its expertise in designing and implementing complex projects, including those in the energy, aviation, water, and industrial sectors.

Key Points:
1. Services: Burns & McDonnell offers a comprehensive suite of services, covering engineering, architecture, construction, environmental consulting, and various technical consulting services.

2. Industry Focus: The company has a diverse client base and works on projects in sectors such as power generation, aviation, water and environmental, oil and gas, telecommunications, and industrial facilities.

3. Employee Ownership: Burns & McDonnell is known for its unique corporate structure, where a significant portion of the company is owned by its employees. This employee ownership model is often highlighted as a distinctive feature of the firm.

4. Project Diversity: The firm is involved in a wide range of projects, from the design and construction of power plants and infrastructure to environmental consulting and renewable energy initiatives.

5. Innovation: Burns & McDonnell emphasizes innovation in its projects and operations. The company often explores cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices in its engineering and construction work.

6. Recognition: The firm has received recognition for its work and has been included in various industry rankings for engineering and construction companies.

Syncworks Background

For over twenty-five years, Syncworks has been evaluating,testing, designing, and implementing GPS signals and timing networks for telecom, cable, utility, and enterprise customers in the US and the Caribbean. We are a well-known and trusted partner and critical supplier to major network operators. 

As a skilled integrator of multiple vendor products, Syncworks can provide options for the most performant, resilient, and economical timing network possible.

Syncworks’ Solutions Architect Mr. Jodrie is uniquely qualified to speak on this topic as he crisscrosses the USA every week enabling NPT, PTP and more. Not only is Mr. Jodrie on the cutting edge of PTP and NTP timing for telecom networks, utilities, and cable providers, he can also look ahead with ePRTC, vPRTC, and reach back into his long history with BITS clocks.