Why timing is the unseen backbone of modern data centers

Why timing is the unseen backbone of modern data centers

Timing isn't just about keeping clocks in sync; it's the backbone of data centers, enabling seamless operations across various sectors. Whether it's 5G networks, financial systems, power grids or transportation, accurate timing is essential. Accurate timing is also crucial for quick backup between data centers and for enhancing the efficiency of artificial intelligence and machine learning. We're talking about precision to the microsecond. Without it, these mission-critical networks can't function properly.

The cost of ignorance

Consider this: a sudden disruption in timing can lead to catastrophic failures, with costs potentially reaching up to $1 billion per day. This is not merely hypothetical. For example, prolonged periods of GPS/GNSS jamming in conflict zones, or even GPS shutdowns orchestrated by the US, can cripple all mission-critical networks. Such disruptions are not uncommon; they occur regularly in Eastern Europe and other regions.

The threat landscape

The main threats to timing, such as jamming and spoofing, are often caused by malicious actors like hackers or hostile nations. However, disruptions to GPS/GNSS can also result from solar flares or even local interference from mobile antennas. The risks are real and varied, making it imperative to build resilient sync systems in data centers.

Building resilient systems

To counter these threats, it's crucial to implement a multi-layered defense strategy. This includes:

1. Detection: Implementing jamming and spoofing detection technologies at the antenna, receiver, device, and network levels.
2. Backup: Utilizing multiple sources for backup timing, ensuring that even if one source fails, others can maintain accuracy.
3. Mitigation: Deploying tools to monitor the entire network and make holistic decisions to maintain synchronization.

Historically, systems relied on GPS/GNSS alone. Today, the approach is more sophisticated, incorporating various sources like Satellite Time and Location (STL) low-Earth orbit (LEO)-based satellites, PTP and more, to ensure robust timing.

The role of zero-trust architecture

A zero-trust architecture (ZTA) for timing means not relying on any single source. Instead, it involves:

• Multi-layer detection: Ensuring detection at all levels, from antennas to the network.
• Multi-source backup: Having multiple backup sources at the network node level.
• Fault-tolerant mitigation: Using tools to understand the timing status across the network and making informed decisions.

This approach ensures that even if one timing source is compromised, the network remains functional.

Advanced solutions: cesium oscillators and STL LEO satellite-based systems

For ultimate resilience, integrating advanced solutions like large-scale cesium oscillators and STL LEO satellite-based timing is key. Our latest optical cesium atomic clocks, the OSA 3300 Super High-Performance (OSA 3300 SHP) and OSA 3350 Super Enhanced Primary Reference Clock+ (OSA 3350 SePRC+) set new standards in precision and stability for network time synchronization. The OSA 3350 SePRC+ maintains 100-nanosecond precision for at least 100 days, ensuring continuous and accurate timing even in the absence of GPS/GNSS signals. This resilience is critical for mission-critical networks and vital infrastructure, providing robust protection against escalating GNSS cyber threats.

LEO satellites offer stronger signals that can penetrate buildings and are harder to jam or spoof, making them a reliable alternative to traditional GPS. Our timing devices integrated with STL technology further enhance GNSS resilience. Products like the OSA 5405-S PTP grandmaster clock and the OSA 5400 STL module incorporate STL signals to fortify zero-trust architectures, ensuring reliable positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) services in both indoor and challenging outdoor environments. This integration provides a robust backup to GNSS, safeguarding against jamming and spoofing attacks and maintaining the integrity of synchronization networks.

Prioritizing resiliency and reliability

As we advance, the focus should shift from merely delivering timing to ensuring its reliability and resilience. The Time Appliance Project (TAP) and similar initiatives need to prioritize these aspects, exploring alternatives to GNSS and implementing standards that guarantee uninterrupted operations even in the face of disruptions.

In a world where data centers are the heart of critical networks, understanding and securing timing is not just a technical necessity but a strategic imperative. Ensuring reliable synchronization can prevent billion-dollar losses and maintain the integrity of essential services worldwide. That's why it's crucial for industry leaders, policymakers and technologists to collaborate to ensure that our infrastructure meets today's demands while also being prepared for the uncertainties of tomorrow.

For a deeper dive into the importance of precise timing in data centers and how to safeguard against disruption, watch Gil Biran's presentation at OCP 2024.