Whitepaper – Using Cesium to Backup GPS

Microchip has released a new whitepaper, discussing an alternative approach to addressing Cyber Security issues related to disruption of the communications infrastructure.  This cost-effective approach – backing up GNSS/GPS synchronization sources with a Cesium Clock – has been tested with proven results, including providing the holdover performance needed for phase synchronization – a critical requirement for LTE.

GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) technology includes GPS (Global Positioning System, United States owned and operated) along with Global Satellite Navigation Systems operated by China (Beidu) and Russia (Glonass). Beyond providing location and positioning information, GNSS is used to deliver accurate timing that is distributed in communications networks for a variety of applications. An interruption or degradation of these timing signals can impact mission critical applications and services.

The paper also references these sources, for more information on Cyber Security Issues related to GNSS vulnerability:

• NIST Plans GPS Cyber security Research
• GPS.gov What’s New
• GAO on GPS Disruptions

A Cesium Clock can be used to backup GNSS/GPS for both frequency and time/phase applications, including the very stringent requirements for LTE. The approach described in this paper is a solution that has been tested with proven results and is a cost effective method to backup GNSS/GPS technology for both local and wide area outages.

If you need to demonstrate to regulators or customers that your network is protected from GNSS/GPS Cyber Security vulnerabilities, this paper — Cesium Atomic Clocks to backup GNSS/GPS — might be a good place to start.  If you need more help, call on us… Empowered is Canada’s Primary Reference for Time, Frequency and Phase Synchronization.