The Global Positioning System (GPS) consists of 24 satellites orbiting the earth. The satellites send signals that are used commercially for extremely accurate timing and positioning functions. PrimaStratum is a GPS controlled highly stable and accurate reference clock source for synchronous telecommunication networks, such as GSM and Node B wireless base stations. The system receives GPS satellite timing signals to control an onboard oscillator to provide from one to four T1 or E1 Stratum 1 reference clocks. The PrimaStratum uses a mixed-signal phase lock loop GPS driven frequency module to generate extremely accurate 1.544MHz/T1 and/or 2.048MHz/E1 reference clocks that are frequency locked to the Global Stratum 1 source.
The proliferation of high-speed data, broadband multimedia, and circuit-to-packet convergence within mobile service backhaul networks is rapidly driving the need for high quality end-to-end network synchronization. System clock synchronization requirements are extended outside the network core into metro and remote access interfaces. A combination of synchronous and asynchronous services can lead to many interconnection issues for the mobile carrier. Problems such as dropped calls can be caused by excessive clock slips when a true Stratum 1 clock signal is not available at the remote Base Station. Differences in the Base Station Controller clock and the remote Base Station clock are often made worse when the only network connection is an IP transmission interface. Adding a Stratum 1 timing source at the remote site guarantees total system reliability and assures all carrier interfaces met standardized clocking requirements, even at remote sites. The Engage Communication PrimaStratum eliminates dropped calls by synchronizing the BaseStations and Controllers to a true Stratum 1 clock source available at the remote equipment location.
