Broadcom Teams with Symmetricom on IEEE 1588v2 Ethernet Timing

Broadcom introduced an IEEE 1588v2-compliant solution for service provider, data center and smart grid power control networks. The solution includes the new Broadcom BCM53903 precision timing protocol (PTP) processor, a Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) switch, 1588v2-based Gigabit physical layer (PHY) devices, and embedded software clock from Symmetricom.


The IEEE 1588 precision timing protocol (PTP) standard makes it possible for the first time to synchronize clocks of different end devices over a packet-based network to within one microsecond, with Ethernet as the chosen transport technology.


Ethernet timing synchronization is a key requirement in mobile backhaul networks for synchronizing base stations and avoiding dropped calls as the call is handed off from one base station to the next. Data center networks also require tighter synchronization to ensure the accuracy and timing of financial transactions, while smart grid networks rely on time synchronization to avoid blackouts and manage dispersed and dynamic renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power.
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