News summary:

• Region’s largest utility network needed smooth migration path to packet-based synchronization
• Adtran grandmaster device combined with cesium clock technology delivers new levels of accuracy and resilience, vital for reliable timestamping and robust substation control
• Synchronization network upgraded by Albara’ah Telecom supports legacy SDH, enables PTP timing and protects against GNSS vulnerabilities

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. January 31 2023. Albara’ah Telecom, in collaboration with Adtran, today announced a significant milestone in the modernization of Saudi Electric Company’s (SEC) nationwide timing network. Utilizing Adtran’s Oscilloquartz ePRTC solution, the new solution supports SEC’s existing SDH infrastructure while enhancing its synchronization network with PTP-enabled capabilities. As well as improving operational efficiency and service reliability, the technology protects against GNSS vulnerabilities and cyberattacks through its outstanding holdover performance. It features a core grandmaster with fully redundant architecture, saving space and reducing energy consumption. Ready for the smart grid demands of the future, the timing infrastructure also enables SEC to harness new innovations for data logging, continuous monitoring and automated control of distributed energy resources.

The deployment supports SEC’s digital expansion and clean energy initiatives by enabling a smooth transition to next-generation packet-based synchronization. With the close support of Albara’ah Telecom and Adtran’s Oscilloquartz ePRTC technology, SEC is moving into a new era of precision synchronization where they can timestamp data across all infrastructure points with unparalleled accuracy. That accelerates decision-making, enables automated assurance and supports a new breed of applications. The new synchronization solution provides the essential capabilities for a future-proof smart grid. Key to this is advanced GNSS jamming and spoofing detection mechanisms and strong holdover capabilities for consistent and uninterrupted operations.

SEC’s new nationwide synchronization network is anchored by the OSA 5422 edge timing device. Engineered for extreme conditions, it delivers accurate synchronization to substations and meets strict industry stability requirements. The network also features the carrier-grade OSA 5430 core grandmaster, which provides a protected PTP-over-10Gbit/s interface as well as full hardware redundancy. Combined with the robust OSA 3230B ePRC cesium clock, it provides a fully protected ePRTC solution. This gives SEC a precise source of time with guaranteed holdover performance accurate to UTC within +/-100 nanoseconds for at least two weeks. The technology is controlled remotely by Adtran’s Ensemble Controller with Sync Director, which enables centralized management and PTP assurance. Albara’ah Telecom in partnership with Adtran, has been instrumental in the project, contributing to system integration and ensuring ongoing maintenance and support.

“We’re working closely with Adtran to support SEC’s journey to a resilient, future-proof synchronization network. By utilizing Adtran’s Oscilloquartz ePRTC solution with its cesium clock technology and grandmaster device, and through our continual support, SEC is ensuring the levels of accuracy and reliability essential for tomorrow’s smart grid applications. Our collaboration is also helping shape a more resilient and reliable energy future immune to GNSS vulnerabilities and cyberattacks,” commented Yasser Alhakbani, board member at RB Tech, Albara’ah Telecom Co. “We’re paving the way together for a robust energy landscape designed to withstand the tests of time and offer reliable service to generations to come.”

“Our ePRTC solution is transforming SEC’s timing infrastructure, bringing new levels of reliable and accurate timekeeping that are essential for meeting tomorrow’s demands. By eliminating the critical dependency on satellite-delivered timing and overcoming GNSS outages, our technology provides uninterrupted synchronization, even in the face of long-lasting disruptions,” said Stuart Broome, GM of EMEA sales at Adtran. “This deployment and the support of our team will help SEC advance as it integrates renewable energy sources, optimizes grid control and empowers customers with a sustainable and efficient power supply. We’re proud to be helping them shape a more resilient and reliable energy landscape for generations to come.”

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