In the last couple of years, our OSA 5401 and OSA 5405 Series have been two of the most successful additions to our network synchronization technology portfolio. These small-form-factor solutions have responded to an urgent demand for precision timing at the network edge.
Designed to be utilized in some of the most challenging and space-restrictive conditions, these ultra-compact PTP grandmasters with integrated GNSS receiver have now been deployed en masse by several large network operators. This has enabled precise synchronization everywhere from office buildings to urban canyons to remote locales.
OSA 5401: the small form-factor pluggable SyncPlug™
The OSA 5401 is a GNSS receiver, PTP grandmaster and slave clock all contained within a tiny pluggable chassis. It has become an indispensable tool for operators wanting to make savings on space and cost without compromising on functionality.
OSA 5405 SyncReach™ Series for both indoor and outdoor deployment
With its rugged housing, the OSA 5405 dual-antenna GNSS receiver and PTP grandmaster is designed and engineered for synchronization right at the edge of the mobile network. It uses Ethernet cabling, meaning expensive RF cables (and the maintenance problems they bring with them) are no longer necessary.
Our customers recognized these benefits from the start and have been deploying these devices in large numbers often in small cell networks, allowing them to bring synchronization to the most challenging of environments. Whether it’s deep urban canyons or indoor spaces where factors like multipath signal interference can be an issue, there’s no better solution than our OSA 5405.
But in the coming years, the demands on networks are set to increase exponentially. Enabled by LTE-A and eventually 5G, the internet of things will soon be a feature in every aspect of our lives. And as faster speeds and more advanced services become widespread, operators will need to ensure far more stringent network timing. Precise phase synchronization at the edge will form an essential part of that optimization process.
To empower operators to meet the challenge of robust and reliable next-generation synchronization, we’ve implemented a range of enhancements to both our OSA 5401 and OSA 5405 Series. We’ve added features that until recently seemed incompatible with such compact technology and made it fit into the same small footprint and offer the same versatility of deployment.
IPv6 capabilities
Today’s network operators are looking to transition from the current Internet Protocol standard, IPv4, to the next-generation standard, IPv6. That’s why our compact timing products now support both IPv4 and IPv6. That means they can now be managed and can deliver PTP services over IPv6 as well as IPv4. This enables a smooth migration strategy that maximizes the value of customers’ existing synchronization infrastructure.
Remote management and automated backup
A key benefit of both units is their ability to be deployed in large numbers, and in hard-to-reach places. But with so many of these devices out there, how can operators be expected to effectively manage all the pieces of the jigsaw? The answer is remote operation and management capabilities.
We’ve now provided the ability to remotely manage operations, update software and even restore the device to its last saved configuration in the event of an outage. Not only does this reduce maintenance visits and dramatically save on cost but it also makes the timing technology future-proof and ready to be upgraded with the latest software.
What’s more, the OSA 5401 and OSA 5405 are easily integrated with ADVA FSP network manager so all of the above can be achieved with a just a few clicks of a mouse button.
We believe that these upgraded capabilities in these most agile of devices are the key to meeting the synchronization requirements of tomorrow’s 5G and IoT services. If our compact grandmaster clocks have already made a sizeable impact, that’s nothing compared to the big things these small devices are about to make possible.