Framework for Synchronization and Timing in the NGN: Deploy Carrier Class NTP to Improve ARPU

A P P L I C AT I O N B R I E F
Synchronization for Next Generations Networks
Framework For Synchronization and Timing
in the NGN: Deploy Carrier Class NTP to
Improve ARPU & Revenue Assurance
NGNSERIES
Introduction...............................................................1 IntroductionNTP Overview ...........................................................1 This paper is one of a series of White Papers and Application Guidelines produced byNTP and NGN Applications.................................2 Symmetricom as part of an overall Framework for Synchronization and Timing in the NextGeneration Network (NGN). A list of relevant documentation can be found in Appendix I and atNTP Operation ..........................................................3 http://ngn.symmetricom.com/resource_center/application_notes.asp.NTP Modes ..........................................................3 These papers are intended to help service provider network architects, planners, and engi-NTP Topologies ....................................................4 neers, design, and deploy stable, robust Synchronization and Timing architectures to supportNTP Deployment Strategies. ..............................4 Next Generation applications and services to be deployed on these networks.Charging, Billing & Logging Services This document specifically addresses the implementation of Network Time Protocol (NTP)and NTP ...................................................................6 services to support Billing and Logging at optimal cost using Symmetricom carrier class NTPRevenue Assurance ............................................6 blades and servers.Standards Initiatives in Logging andBilling for Revenue Assurance. ..........................6 NTP OverviewCharging Architecture. .......................................6 NTP is a well known, well proven IP technology that currently provides time services with accuracyThe Role of NTP in CDR/IPDR Logging .............9 anywhere from a millisecond to a few seconds. It has traditionally been deployed in the IT dataNTP Network Engineering for Logging, center where it is used to provide timestamps to computers, network elements, PC's, and servers.& Billing Services. ............................................11 Accuracy of one second has normally been considered adequate for these applications.Carrier Class NTP Return On Investment. ......12 However, these requirements are changing as service provider networks quickly evolve fromSymmetricom Carrier Class NTP Servers ............13 "best effort" delivery to a model in which mission-critical services that require very accurateCarrier Class NTP Requirements.....................13 and reliable performance guarantees are being deployed and where such guarantees need tobe precisely quantified in order to meet strict Service Level Agreements (SLA). Accurate SLAConverged Architecture ....................................13 are dependent on precise and consistent time metrics and therefore on accurate and reliablePower & Space Saving .....................................13 NTP. Moreover, the need for accurate timestamping is especially true for premium servicesOperational Simplicity .......................................13 that rely on revenue impacting back office server applications such as those running on billingand logging platforms. Such critical implementations, operating in real-time, typically haveRedundancy and Reliability. .............................13 stricter requirements than those imposed in the best-effort data service infrastructures.Management of NTP..........................................14 The synchronization of a network with reliable, accurate timestamps can be a competitiveConclusion .............................................................15 advantage if it enables the control of revenue leakage, the generation of additional revenue,Appendices..............................................................16 and reduction of churn in a customer base. The key element for these services is the delivery,control, and management of time.Appendix I: Documentation ...............................16Appendix II: Glossary ........................................17 The distribution of time on a network is the domain of NTP. This document will focus specificallyon the delivery of time for Billing and Logging services based on servers deployed in the IP NGN.References ..................................... [download for more]