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ATIS Issues New Technical Report to Increase Reliability of Telecom Networks

October 10, 2003, Washington, D.C. – ATIS’ Technical Subcommittee T1X1.3 published a new Technical Report (TR) that will allow telecommunications service providers to increase the reliability of their networks through a better understanding of synchronization networks. The “Technical Report on Synchronization Network Architecture” (T1.TR.81-2003) is available from the ATIS Document Center at www.atis.org.

The TR gives an overview of synchronization networks including the signals used, terminology used to describe synchronization networks, and an explanation of the different approaches used in designing synchronization distribution networks. The TR provides information on the design, administration and maintenance of the synchronization network. It is also a guide to the published standards in Committee T1 related to synchronization.

According to T1X1.3 Chair Adam Wertheimer of Telcordia Technologies, “Synchronization networks are critical to support all services from voice calls to large IP networks, and this document shines a spotlight on synchronization networks increasing their visibility throughout the industry.”

Access to an accurate timing signal is needed for the operation of all digital telephone equipment. The synchronization network allows a service provider to distribute the correct timing signal to all digital telephone equipment throughout their networks. Inaccurate, or a loss of, synchronization can cause decreased data throughput and, in an extreme case, can cause the digital network to fail - preventing new calls from being completed. The lack of a resource that ties together the various requirements and approaches for synchronization network designers has been recognized by T1X1.3 and is addressed by this report.

ATIS’ Technical Subcommittee T1X1 develops and recommends standards and prepares technical reports related to telecommunications network technology pertaining to network synchronization interfaces and hierarchical structures for U.S. telecommunications networks. T1X1 focuses on those functions and characteristics necessary to define and establish the interconnection of signals comprising network transport.

About ATIS
ATIS is a technical planning and standards development organization that is committed to rapidly developing and promoting technical and operations standards for the communications and related information technologies industry worldwide using a pragmatic, flexible and open approach. Over 1,200 participants from more than 400 communications companies are active in ATIS’ 16 industry committees, and its Incubator Solutions Program. www.atis.org

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