Why Timing is Often Overlooked

Part 3-3 from a GPS World magazine interview with Syncworks’ Beacham Still and GPS World Editor-in-Chief Matteo Luccio

In the world of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), positioning is often the primary focus. Many industries rely on accurate location data, and when GNSS positioning fails, it can disrupt everything from navigation to asset tracking. However, GNSS timing is equally critical, particularly for industries like telecommunications and power utilities, where timing stability underpins network operations. This post explores the often-overlooked differences between GNSS timing and positioning, why GNSS timing is a mission-critical solution, and how unique challenges like jamming and spoofing impact GNSS timing systems differently.

GNSS Timing vs Positioning: Different Needs, Different Challenges

While positioning and timing are both functions of GNSS, they serve distinct purposes. Positioning relies on GNSS to track and navigate objects across various regions, while GNSS timing provides the precise clock synchronization that many networks depend on for stable operation. Timing systems often require a level of consistency that goes beyond location accuracy, as even minor timing discrepancies can lead to network instability.

In industries like telecommunications, GNSS timing plays a vital role in ensuring network signals remain synchronized across vast distances. Unlike positioning receivers, which are mobile, timing receivers are typically static, serving as critical points within networks to maintain synchronization. This static nature, however, makes GNSS timing systems more vulnerable to prolonged jamming and spoofing attacks, as they are often located in fixed, high-risk environments.

Jamming and Spoofing: Unique Threats to GNSS Timing

In regions like the United States, one of the biggest challenges for GNSS timing systems is interference from personal GPS jammers. These devices, often used to evade corporate tracking, pose a significant risk to static GNSS timing infrastructure. Although it is federally illegal to operate a GPS jammer in the U.S., these devices can easily be purchased online, leading to frequent interference events that impact timing systems in particular.

The impact of GNSS jamming and spoofing is notably different for timing than it is for positioning. In regions with high levels of GNSS interference, such as Eastern Europe, timing systems may face frequent spoofing attacks. In these areas, state-based actors employ GNSS spoofing as a tactic to mislead navigation systems, but timing systems are equally susceptible to this interference. GNSS timing solutions in the U.S. face similar risks, with increasing concern around malicious actors exploiting static timing receivers near critical infrastructure.

Why Timing Accuracy Matters for Mission-Critical Applications

While GNSS positioning accuracy is important, timing accuracy is often even more crucial in certain sectors. Timing serves as the foundation for sectors such as telecommunications and power utilities, where synchronization directly impacts network functionality. A disruption in GNSS timing can cause cascading effects across networks, leading to reduced performance or even complete system failures. For industries with mission-critical timing needs, even short-term disruptions in synchronization can lead to operational downtime and significant financial losses.

For example, telecommunications networks require precision timing to maintain signal integrity. As network operations move from TDM-based frequency synchronization to IP and packet-based timing, the need for accurate GNSS timing solutions has become increasingly pressing. Similarly, power utilities depend on stable timing for grid synchronization, which is crucial for preventing outages and maintaining a reliable electricity supply.

Addressing GNSS Timing Challenges Through Resilient Design

Syncworks and other timing solution providers work closely with industries to address these unique synchronization challenges through resilient network design. Given the risks of GNSS jamming and spoofing, many organizations are now designing their GNSS timing infrastructure with redundancy in mind. This often includes integrating oscillators for holdover, which maintain synchronization even if GNSS signals are lost temporarily.

Additionally, organizations are exploring supplementary timing sources, such as terrestrial-based signals (eLoran) and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, to reduce reliance on GNSS alone. These redundant timing solutions provide alternative references, ensuring that critical operations remain unaffected even in the face of GNSS disruptions.

GNSS Timing: An Essential, Yet Often Overlooked, Network Utility

Despite its critical role in maintaining network stability, GNSS timing often goes overlooked compared to positioning. The unique vulnerabilities and challenges of GNSS timing demand dedicated solutions and robust network architectures that can withstand intentional and unintentional interference. By investing in resilient timing infrastructure, organizations can safeguard their operations and ensure that their networks are prepared for the demands of the future.

Syncworks, as a trusted provider of mission-critical timing solutions, helps clients navigate these challenges through expertise in GNSS timing design, testing, and deployment. From the telecommunications industry to power utilities, Syncworks offers the guidance needed to protect and maintain stable timing infrastructure in an ever-evolving landscape.

Why Buy From Syncworks?

In addition to cutting-edge Microchip technology like the TimeProvider® 4100 and 4500, Syncworks is proud to offer turnkey installation. Testing and provisioning of all new equipment, ensuring seamless integration into your network. Plus 24/7 support. Our process ensures that your infrastructure is fully optimized and your team is confident in its operation.