Legacy Versus Modern Telecom Equipment

Legacy Versus Modern Telecom Equipment

Legacy Telecom Equipment Stands the Test of Time

 

With a warehouse full of legacy telecom equipment that has been refurbished, we know that the old saying “They don’t make ’em like they used to.” is true. The modular design of the DCDs and the more modern SSU favored the durability of the entire unit with cards that can be easily replaced. Syncworks does not always “rip and replace” except when it is in your best interest. What follows is our attempt to give a balanced view on new versus legacy equipment in your telecom, cable, or utility network. 

Pros of owning and maintaining a legacy telecom timing platform:

1. Familiarity: Legacy systems have been in place for a long time, and the staff is usually familiar with their operation and maintenance. This reduces the learning curve and training requirements for employees.

2. Cost: In some cases, maintaining a legacy system may be more cost-effective in the short term. The initial investment has already been made, and the ongoing maintenance costs might be lower compared to upgrading to a modern system.

3. Stability: Legacy systems have been proven and tested over time, which means they have a track record of stability. They may have fewer software bugs and compatibility issues since they have been extensively used and debugged.

Cons of owning and maintaining a legacy network timing system:

1. Outdated Technology: Legacy systems often use outdated technology, which can result in limitations in terms of functionality, performance, and scalability. They may lack support for newer protocols and features, hindering interoperability with modern systems.

2. Maintenance Challenges: As technology advances, it becomes increasingly difficult to find skilled personnel who are proficient in maintaining and repairing legacy systems. This can lead to longer downtimes and increased costs for repairs or upgrades.

3. Security Risks: Older systems may lack modern security features and are more vulnerable to cyber attacks. With the growing sophistication of cyber threats, legacy systems can pose a significant risk to the overall security of the utility network.

DCD 400 main shelf and cards

DCD

S650 SyncServer back

S650 SyncServer back

Symmetricom syncserver

Symmetricom S250 SyncServer

TSG 3800 M 1

TSG_3800_M-1

TimeProvider® 1100

TP 1100

Microchip TimeProvider 1000

tp1100

Pros of modernizing legacy telecom equipment:

1. Improved Functionality: Upgrading from your legacy telecom equipment to a modern system allows for enhanced features and capabilities. This can include advanced synchronization techniques, increased accuracy, expanded network management capabilities, and compatibility with newer technologies and protocols.

2. Increased Efficiency: Modern systems often provide better efficiency in terms of energy consumption, network utilization, and overall performance. They may also offer automation features that reduce manual intervention and improve operational efficiency.

3. Enhanced Security: Upgrading to a modern system can address security vulnerabilities present in legacy systems. Newer systems incorporate robust security measures, encryption protocols, and improved monitoring capabilities to protect against cyber threats.

Cons of modernizing the network timing system:

1. Cost: Upgrading to a modern system from your legacy equipment typically involves a significant investment in terms of equipment, installation, and training. The initial cost can be substantial, and the return on investment may take time to realize.

2. Learning Curve: Adopting a new system requires training and familiarization for the staff. This can temporarily impact productivity and may require additional resources for training and support during the transition period.

3. Integration Challenges: Modernizing the network timing system may require integrating with existing infrastructure and systems. This can introduce complexities and compatibility issues that need to be addressed carefully to ensure smooth operation and minimal disruption.

Overall, the decision to maintain legacy network timing system or modernize it depends on various factors such as cost, functionality requirements, security concerns, and long-term business goals. Evaluating the specific needs and conducting a cost-benefit analysis will help utility companies make an informed decision. Rip and replace is not longer the obvious choice with Syncworks having a deep warehouse of ready to ship legacy telecom equipment.

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® 4500, 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

Microchip Press Release for TimeProvider® 4100 Release 2.2

Microchip Press Release for TimeProvider® 4100 Release 2.2

TimeProvider® 4100 Release 2.2 from Microchip Technology, Inc.

CHANDLER, Ariz., March 17, 2021 – For today’s critical infrastructure providers – 5G wireless networks, smart grids, data centers, cable, and transportation services – a fundamental need exists for a redundant, resilient, and secure precise timing and synchronization solution. Microchip Technology Inc. (Nasdaq: MCHP) today announced its TimeProvider® 4100 Release 2.2 which provides a new level of resiliency with the introduction of an innovative redundancy architecture in addition to support for a multi-band Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver and enhanced security to ensure always-on precise timing and synchronization.

Redundancy is key for infrastructure providers to ensure uninterrupted services. Infrastructure deployments previously relied on hardware redundancy to avoid service disruption despite costly modular architectures. Microchip’s TimeProvider 4100 Release 2.2 grandmaster provides redundancy via software implementation, enabling flexible deployment and lower hardware costs without sacrificing ports.

In addition, the TimeProvider 4100 Release 2.2 grandmaster introduces an increased level of resiliency by supporting a new GNSS multi-band, multi-constellation receiver to protect against time delay resulting from space weather, solar events and other disruptions that may impact critical infrastructure services. Multiband GNSS is particularly important for the highest levels of accuracy including Primary Reference Time Clock Class B (PRTC-B) (40 ns) and Enhanced Primary Reference Time Clock (ePRTC) (30 ns).

With a focus on security solutions across its technology portfolio, Microchip’s new TimeProvider 4100 Release 2.2 grandmaster adds support for RADIUS and TACACS+ as well as new anti-jamming and anti-spoofing capabilities.

“Resilient, redundant, and secure precise timing and synchronization solutions are necessary to mitigate security risks to critical infrastructure,” said Randy Brudzinski, vice president and general manager of Microchip’s frequency and time business unit. “This latest release brings an innovative software redundancy that enables always-on technology as well as support for multiband GNSS to eliminate ionospheric time error delays. It provides new key security, anti-jamming and anti-spoofing so critical infrastructure services can be accessed only by authorized, authenticated personnel.”

In addition, the TimeProvider 4100 Release 2.2 grandmaster provides a super Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator (OCXO) option for enhanced holdover capabilities in case of GNSS disruption.

The TimeProvider 4100 Release 2.2 grandmaster is a family of products with hardware expansion modules for legacy fan-out or Ethernet fan-out with 10 Gigabit Ethernet support. It can be configured in specific operation modes to act either as a gateway clock, a high-performance boundary clock or an ePRTC.

The TimeProvider 4100 Release 2.2 grandmaster embeds additional Microchip technology including its OCXO, super OCXO, Rubidium atomic clock, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Ethernet switch, synthesizers and cleaning oscillators.

The TimeProvider 4100 is part of Microchip’s virtual Primary Reference Time Clock (vPRTC) product portfolio, offering end-to-end precise time and synchronization solutions. These include Cesium atomic clocks for the source of frequency and time, the BlueSky™ GNSS Firewall for security, TimeProvider 4100 high-performance boundary clock and TimeProvider 4100 Gateway clocks, as well as the TimePictra software suite, which manages the end-to-end precise time architecture across all Microchip timing products.

Service and Support

Microchip’s TimeProvider 4100 Release 2.2 grandmaster offers several options for software and hardware support including installation, sync audits, network engineering and 24/7 worldwide support.

Pricing and Availability

The TimeProvider 4100 Release 2.2 grandmaster is available now for both new and already-deployed systems. Contact sales@syncworks.com for ordering details.

Resources

High-res image available through Flickr or editorial contact (feel free to publish):

·         Application image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/microchiptechnology/50947606192/

·         Product image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/microchiptechnology/50946812023/

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® 4500, 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

SyncServer S600 S650

Microchip Syncserver 600 NTP server

Microchip (formerly Microsemi) SyncServer S600 Combines NTP and PTP

The Microchip (formerly Microsemi) SyncServer S600 is a network time server that is designed to deliver exact hardware-based Network Time Protocol (NTP) and Precise Time Protocol (PTP) timestamps. It is a GPS Stratum 1 network time server that provides secure, accurate, and reliable time services to the enterprise. The S600 is a high-performance, enhanced security network time server that features an ultra-high bandwidth NTP time server and Stratum 1 operation.

Purpose of S600

The S600 network time server is purpose built to deliver exact hardware-based Network Time Protocol (NTP) and Precise Time Protocol (PTP) timestamps. The unparalleled accuracy and security is rounded out with outstanding ease-of-use features for reliable network time services ready to meet the needs of the user network and business operations today, and in the future.

SyncServer S600 Key Features

Ultra-high-bandwidth NTP time server
Stratum 1 operation
Four standard GbE ports, all with patented NTP hardware timestamping
Two additional 10 GbE ports (optional)
Built-in DoS detection and protection
Security-hardened NTP Reflector with firewall protection
Web-based management with high-security cipher suite
NTP monitoring, charting and MRU logging
< 15 nanoseconds RMS time accuracy to UTC
TACACS+, RADIUS, LDAP, x.509, Secure Syslog and more
Rubidium atomic clock or OCXO oscillator upgrades
Dual power supply option
Galileo/GLONASS/BeiDou/SBAS/QZSS option
IEEE® 1588 PTP multi-port/profile output option
IEEE 1588 PTP input option
DISA/DoDIN approved product

Looking to Integrate the S600?

Syncworks is different than any other reseller because our Field Services, Support Engineers, and SyncCare will keep you network running at Stratum 1 traceable levels. Call 904 280-1234 to speak to a knowledgeable engineer.

Related to the SyncServer 600

SyncServer S650
Modular NTP Time Server with IRIG-B, 10 MHz, 1PPS and many more timing outputs, including IEEE 1588 PTP server and slave operations. Ideal as a multipurpose timing synchronization standard for network-based and direct connect timing systems.

S600 Additional Resources

S6xx Antenna Configurator

SyncServer S600 S650 Comparison

S600 S650 Options and Upgrades

Down/Up Converter

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® 4500, 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

Microsemi CVE Security Bulletin – Syncserver S600/S650 Network Time Servers

Microsemi CVE Security Bulletin – Syncserver S600/S650 Network Time Servers

Microsemi Corporation –  CVE Security Bulletin

January 5, 2018

Microsemi CVE Security Bulletin for Syncserver S600/S650 Network Time Servers

Customer Advisory Notice (CAN)

Subject: CVE-2017-5715 and CVE-2017-5753 (Spectre), CVE-2017-5754 (Meltdown)

System: SyncServer S600/S650 Network Time Servers

Product Identity: SyncServer S600/S650 CLEI Code: N/A

Product Code(s):

090-15200-600 090-15200-601 090-15200-602
090-15200-603 090-15200-604 090-15200-605
090-15200-606 090-15200-650 090-15200-651
090-15200-652 090-15200-653

CVE-2017-5715/5753 (Spectre) and CVE-2017-5754 (Meltdown) target the way modern processors operate and manage memory. Microsemi SyncServer network time servers are not vulnerable to this type of threat as these exploits require local root access to the machine and the ability to upload and run very specific software programs while measuring the number of clock cycles required to perform the operations. Embedded systems, such as the SyncServers, are not vulnerable to these types of exploits as they do not in general allow local user accounts with privileges to upload and execute programs.

Recommended Actions: SyncServers are intended to be protected behind a firewall. In addition, the management interface should be protected from unauthorized users.

SyncServer S600/S650: No action required.

Sources:

https://www.microsemi.com/document-portal/doc_download/135737-datasheet-syncserver-s650

https://www.microsemi.com/campaigns/network-time-servers/syncserver-s600/?url=https://www.microsemi.com/campaigns/network-time-servers/S650p/%3Fgd%3D1&id=5&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjbyYBhCdARIsAArC6LL-202ej5YfDB5lMIMSZ2735qjo5yaj2i-PrvLv2Cnh_kIJtFJ0oF8aAlMpEALw_wcB

SyncServer S200/S250: These models are discontinued, are not current with respect to CVE mitigation, and as such are vulnerable to known CVEs. Microsemi highly recommends replacement with the SyncServer S600/S650 models which are actively maintained with respect to CVE mitigation.

SyncServer S300/S350: These models are discontinued, are not current with respect to CVE mitigation, and as such are vulnerable to known CVEs. Microsemi highly recommends replacement with the SyncServer S600/S650 models which are actively maintained with respect to CVE mitigation.

Microsemi Action:

Microsemi R&D, Technical Support, Quality and Product Management regularly review applicable CVEs and how best to respond. The severity and applicability of the identified CVE influences the type and timeliness of the response. The intent is to respond within industry standard response times and to document Microsemi actions.

In some cases vulnerabilities may appear in the list above (or in the future) as being present in the S600 Series SyncServer. Microsemi may or may not choose to address the vulnerability based on the applicability to the product and its intended use. If a vulnerability is relevant to the operation of the product then addressing it in a future release will be the plan.

The Microsemi online support portal will be the repository for documented CVEs as they relate to the SyncServer S600 Series products.

See more here.

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® 4500, 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