Harris Stratex Networks introduces key synchronization solution to enable smooth mobile network migration to all-IP

Unique Distributed Sync™ feature enables mobile operators to maintain a trusted TDM sync architecture over an all-packet transport network

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – Aug. 27, 2009 – Harris Stratex Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ: HSTX), a leading provider of wireless solutions that enable the evolution of next-generation fixed and mobile broadband networks, today introduced a unique synchronization feature for its Eclipse™ Packet Node high-speed IP wireless backhaul platform. This new feature enables operators to cross the ‘sync divide’ by providing a key component for the efficient migration of existing TDM infrastructure to an all-IP transport network.

The patent-pending Distributed Sync™ will be supported by a new plug-in network sync module for the Eclipse Packet Node intelligent nodal indoor unit. Distributed Sync offers a smooth synchronization migration path for operators planning to evolve their transport network to all-IP, enabling them to introduce all-packet transport, while at the same time maintaining the comfort, reliability and security of their proven TDM-based synchronization.

Distributed Sync complements standards-based solutions such as Synchronous Ethernet or IEEE 1588v2, and enables operators to delay moving to these IP-based schemes until after their network migration to IP transport is well progressed or complete. Distributed Sync offers a standard, primary reference clock traceable for 2.048/1.544 MHz clock output at the base station over a multi-hop, nodal backhaul network without having to use valuable payload capacity, even in an all-IP environment where no TDM transport capability is available.

“This new distributed timing capability will be of significant interest to operators who are looking for a solution to their network synchronization challenges as they start to introduce Ethernet transport in the backhaul,” said Paul Kennard, Harris Stratex chief technology officer. “Unlike other solutions currently being considered, Distributed Sync will enable operators to take a low-risk evolutionary approach to network timing.”

Harris Stratex’ Eclipse Packet Node solution, featuring the new Distributed Sync feature, will be part of the multi-vendor Carrier Ethernet Interoperability test being conducted by the European Advanced Networking Test Center (EANTC) in Berlin  from Aug. 24 – Sept. 4, 2009. It also will be part of the Multi-Vendor Interoperability showcase at the IIR Carrier Ethernet World Congress in Berlin, Sept. 22–24, 2009.

Harris Stratex introduced the Eclipse Packet Node product earlier this year Mobile World Congress in Barcelona to provide a highly-integrated convergence solution to break the backhaul bottleneck caused by the dramatic growth in mobile broadband data traffic. Eclipse Packet Node provides an evolutionary path for operators to introduce packet-based Ethernet/IP transport into their network, with a smooth, low-risk and graceful migration to all-IP. The platform supports a compelling set of features, including comprehensive nodal networking, ultra-high link speeds up to 2 Gbit/s, advanced adaptive coding and modulation with XPIC, and full native multi-service support for TDM and Ethernet/IP traffic.