Sync University Curriculum - An Executive Summary
What is the notion of network synchronization and timing in a telecommunications environment? How do we measure it? How do we specify it? How do we implement it? These and other questions are addressed, from a technical standpoint, in the Sync University curriculum. In this executive summary we provide a rationale for synchronization, an aspect that is not always emphasized in technical courses.
The comedian Rodney Dangerfield has built his career with self-deprecating humor characterized by the tag line "I don't get no respect!" Synchronization (or sync, for short) can empathize with Mr. Dangerfield. As technologies go, it does not have the glitter of gigabit fiber optic transmission systems, the panache of Internet Protocol (IP) or the sizzle of soft-switches. It is less understood, less appreciated and given less importance than most other entities in the telecommunications network; however, it is the heartbeat of the network. In conjunction with other unsung heroes such as power and ground, Synchronization makes the network work or work more efficiently.
One possible explanation for the low status of synchronization is that it is not directly correlated with revenue, although it certainly enables many network elements that are essential economic engines. By and of itself, it does not generate any revenue for a telecommunications service provider. Synchronization is not sold as a service, though it probably could be. On the other hand, a Class 5 Switch, for example, can be viewed as revenue generating equipment. Each trunk can generate $X/hour in toll revenue; each subscriber line can generate $Y/month by providing basic POTS (plain old telephone service) with additional revenue from enhanced services and so on. No such concise model is associated with synchronization even though the switch relies on a timing input in order to operate correctly.
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