VIAVI launches SecurePNT 6200 to enhance global infrastructure resilience

Test and measurements firm VIAVI has announced the launch of SecurePNT 6200 with SecureTimeSM services, a rock-solid timing clock solution that provides the most comprehensive assurance of positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) services for critical infrastructure operators worldwide. The addition of Fugro AtomiChron timing service enhances the robustness of VIAVI's tried-and-tested PNT solutions, ensuring unmatched resilience through zero-trust multisource assurance that leverages signals from Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO), Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) GPS and GNSS constellations.

PNT relies heavily on satellite signals to offer accurate location and timing data, making it indispensable for numerous applications such as synchronising financial transactions, guiding aircraft and ships, power grid operations, and many more. However, such dependence on satellite signals exposes critical infrastructure to a range of vulnerabilities and interference risks.

Essential networks across the globe, including 5G connectivity, transportation, energy, public safety, defence, finance, and data centres, rely on publicly accessible GPS and GNSS signals for synchronisation based on timing and location. The occasional unavailability of these signals, their potential risk of being jammed or spoofed, and the possibility of satellite attacks could potentially lead to catastrophic consequences. To enhance the resilience of their networks, governments have started to mandate that critical infrastructure providers more responsibly utilise PNT services.

VIAVI's gamut of assured PNT products have demonstrated their efficacy in providing redundant timing and location security in military and civilian applications, linked to the broadest range of timing sources in the market. The integration of the Fugro AtomiChron timing source with VIAVI's SecureTime eGNSSSM GEO service provides unprecedented resilience, higher accuracy, and comprehensive and cost-effective global coverage, features not supported by traditional GNSS.

The SecurePNT 6200 inherently carries the trademark features of VIAVI's assured PNT portfolio. This includes TrustedPNT sensor fusion technology, complying with evolving government guidelines, a patented transcoder allowing users to rapidly retrofit their legacy GPS/GNSS clocks, and much more. Fugro's Roel de Vries, the Business Developer for AtomiChron, asserts that time synchronisation poses one of the most significant challenges for critical infrastructure and adds that the Fugro AtomiChron service significantly enhances timekeeping accuracy to the nanosecond and protects from spoofed GNSS signals.

Doug Russell, the Senior Vice President, AvComm, of VIAVI, acknowledges the heightened sensitivity of both the public and private sectors towards threats to critical infrastructure, with PNT being an area of particular vulnerability. He expresses his excitement about working with market leader Fugro to fortify VIAVI's resilient PNT solutions with enhanced precision, reliability, and global availability offered by AtomiChron.