Brilliant Telecommunications Announces the Zurich Z-1000, the Industry’s First Carrier-Class Network Time Protocol Server

Brilliant Telecommunications (Brilliant), Inc., a developer of extremely precise and highly reliable hardware-based Network Time Protocol (NTP) server technology, announced the immediate availability of its carrier-class Zurich Z-1000 to support critical timing applications for service providers, cable operators and enterprises. The Z-1000 is an integrated GPS/GLONASS/Galileo antenna and NTP server that provides unprecedented accuracy due to its hardware-based, 100 Mbps wirespeed NTP processing capability. Its 12-channel GPS receiver tracks every visible satellite to maintain ITU Stratum 1 time and frequency. Designed to withstand outdoor environmental challenges, the Z-1000 occupies no space in the CoLo or data center while meeting high reliability requirements. The highly innovative design provides a synchronous Ethernet (G.8261) physical interface that is also IEEE 802.3af power over Ethernet compliant. Importantly, the use of standard Ethernet cabling eliminates costly RF coax, amplifiers and complicated installations achieving user cost savings that can exceed the entire cost of the unit and provides an immediate ROI.

At the core of the Z-1000 is an Active Intelligent Routing (AIR) system that builds a timing network, rather than simply timing individual components. Whether used in a mesh, point-to-point, or ring network topology, Z-1000s communicate with each other, forming an intelligent timing network in which ITU Stratum time is accurately and seamlessly distributed even under a multitude of failure scenarios, including the loss of the GPS signal.
"As service providers' networks evolve to support next-generation applications such as interactive gaming, toll-quality VoIP and IPTV, carrier-class timing and synchronization becomes a necessity in maintaining subscriber's quality of experience, which results in less churn," commented Link Verstegen, vice president of marketing, Brilliant Telecommunications. "The Z-1000 has set the bar for the next generation of NTP servers."

Ruggedized for the outdoor environment and highly available, the Zurich Z-1000 provides ITU Stratum 1 timing when locked to a GPS reference. In a timing network, without line of sight or where satellite views are hindered, the Z-1000 retains better than ITU Stratum 2 timing by engaging in NTP peer mode with other Z-1000 network neighbors. In the unlikely event that both GPS and network neighbors are inaccessible, the Z-1000 enters holdover mode, maintaining ITU Stratum 3 timing using a tightly controlled oven controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO).

"The carrier industry relies heavily on the need to achieve the highest quality of service for mobile voice and data services, in addition to the emerging technologies that will sustain voice, high-speed data, and video. Brilliant Telecommunications has developed the most advanced solution we have seen and tested to date," states a director of network implementation from a tier 1 US wireless provider. "Their understanding and dedication in providing solutions to meet and exceed the industry requirements is in alignment with their vision and direction, positioning them to set a new standard for service and reliability."

The Zurich Z-1000 has an intuitive web-based management system to effortlessly manage, configure and check its status to ensure smooth operational performance. In addition each Z-1000 incorporates the ability to remotely perform system upgrades without expensive truck rolls.

The Zurich Z-1000 is generally available and has been shipping to customers since October 2006. It is currently installed at tier 1 service providers as well as enterprise customers.

About Brilliant Telecommunications
Brilliant Telecommunications designs, develops and distributes a family of network timing, management and synchronization solutions, including carrier-class Network Time Protocol (NTP) servers, Primary Reference Sources (PRS), and Building Integrated Timing Supplies (BITS). This highly accurate timing network solution delivers end-to-end Service Level Agreement (SLA) monitoring and management capabilities, in addition to providing timing and synchronization to the most time-sensitive applications in legacy and next-generation IP networks. Founded in 2004, Brilliant Telecommunications is headquartered in Campbell, California.
For more information please visit www.brillianttelecom.com