Today, a growing number of network operators are looking to transition from traditional TDM (T1/E1) to Ethernet IP-based backhaul in support of 4G/LTE radio networks. As backhaul transitions to Ethernet, the physical layer synchronization chain is broken when TDM is removed from the network, resulting in poor network quality. To accommodate IP-based service performance in 4G/LTE networks, LTE necessitates even stricter timing that includes frequency and phase requirements to guarantee service quality. This makes timing and sync solutions even more critical in these kinds of network build outs.

Compared to leased lines, microwave backhaul is a proven and flexible solution to accurately deliver synchronization throughout the network and can be quickly deployed to meet aggressive build-out schedules. With the rising network capacity needs of LTE, microwave backhaul is rapidly becoming a critical component in delivering the required bandwidth to serve cell sites, especially in areas that are geographically challenging to serve or when fiber is simply not an option. Current 3G cell sites are provisioned for 10-20 Mbps but LTE tests show that per site backhaul requirements may require upwards of 160 Mbps. Microwave backhauls flexibility and scalability can support these kinds of service provider requirements to rapidly scale their networks to support bandwidth intensive IP-based applications.

Symmetricom is committed to partnering with trusted end-to-end technology providers that deploy and maintain networks on behalf of network operators. The SyncWorld Ecosystem Program represents all elements of the mobile communications value chain from embedded to systems network elements, such as microwave backhaul. Industry leading analyst group, Heavy Reading, estimates that half of the world's cell sites today are connected to the network via microwave backhaul, making it a vital new addition to the SyncWorld Ecosystem Program.

"Ethernet-based microwave backhaul deployments are growing rapidly as networks look to scale economically to meet increasing bandwidth demands," said Patrick Donegan, senior analyst, Heavy Reading. "With stricter timing and synchronization network requirements emerging to support 3G and 4G, programs such as SyncWorld become even more important to ensure interoperability among equipment vendors to meet aggressive roll-out schedules and ensure precise timing and synchronization through the network."

In collaboration with Aviat Networks, Symmetricom has successfully conducted tests over 10 hops while guaranteeing synchronization in a microwave network. Microwave backhaul is usually deployed in multiple hops from the aggregation point to a cell site. Maintaining the signal across a large number of hops is truly an achievement. SyncWorld aims to further this kind of innovation with the new microwave backhaul segment. For more information on the results of the IEEE 1588v2 synchronization over packet microwave networks deployment, download the application note developed with Aviat Networks.

"The microwave backhaul category launch underscores the criticality of interoperability among vendors in all segments of a communications network," said Manish Gupta, vice president of marketing at Symmetricom. "The enormous response we've received with SyncWorld signals the importance for us and our partners to support LTE with interoperable timing and sync solutions."

For more information about the SyncWorld Ecosystem Program, please visit http://www.symmetricom.com/syncworld/.

About Symmetricom, Inc.

Symmetricom (NASDAQ: SYMM), a world leader in precise time solutions, sets the world's standard for time. The company generates, distributes and applies precise time for the communications, aerospace/defense, IT infrastructure and metrology industries. Symmetricom's customers, from communications service providers and network equipment manufacturers to governments and their suppliers worldwide, are able to build more reliable networks and systems by using the company's advanced timing technologies, atomic clocks, services and solutions. All products support today's precise timing standards, including GPS-based timing, IEEE 1588 (PTP), Network Time Protocol (NTP), Synchronous Ethernet and DOCSIS(R) timing. Symmetricom is based in San Jose, Calif., with offices worldwide. For more information, visit: http://www.symmetricom.com.

SyncWorld(TM) Ecosystem Program Microwave Backhaul Segment Quote Sheet:

Alcatel-Lucent:

"The question is no longer whether microwave backhaul networks will migrate from TDM to packet, but when and how. And in the transition to packet microwave we need to fulfill strict requirements for time and synchronization to pave the way to LTE and 4G mobile services," said Fran�ois Allain, director of Alcatel-Lucent's Wireless Transmission product unit. "That's why Alcatel-Lucent sees the value of Symmetricom's SyncWorld interoperability program dedicated to microwave, to prove to the industry that microwave networks are ready to support this critical transformation."

Aviat Networks:

"As the wireless experts in advanced IP network migration, Aviat Networks is proud to have charted the path for packet network synchronization over microwave in partnership with Symmetricom, to deliver fully tested interoperable solutions for 4G/LTE backhaul," says Shaun McFall, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Aviat Networks.

Ceragon Networks:

"Partnering with Symmetricom, allows us to bring more value to our global customer base, by validating Ceragon's advanced synchronization features over Symmetricom's market leading synchronization products," said Mr. Eirik Nesse, VP Product Strategy at Ceragon Networks.

DragonWave:

"The SyncWorld(TM) Ecosystem Program demonstrates the interoperability of synchronization solutions and boosts customers' confidence in deploying all IP backhaul networks," said Alan Solheim, Vice President Corporate Development with DragonWave. "By enabling our customers to reliably and easily integrate their legacy traffic into a single packet-based backhaul network we are enhancing their ability to cope with the evolving traffic demands."

Nokia Siemens Networks:

"By providing fully tested interoperability between Nokia Siemens Networks FlexiPacket Microwave platform and Symmetricom's TimeProvider(R) 5000, we can deploy true and reliable packet-based microwave backhaul networks sustaining mobile operators' profitability," said Maurizio Pecchioli, Head of Nokia Siemens Networks Microwave Transport Product Management.