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Building a global roadmap for time synchronisation

Business Case

Building a global roadmap for time synchronisation

SURFEO analysed time synchronisation technologies, uses and players to inform the 3–10-year roadmap of a European technology equipment manufacturer.

Aeronautics & SpaceDefence & SecurityEnergy & TransitionMarket IntelligenceTime serversNTPPTPWhite RabbitData centresCybersecurity
01 · Context & challenges

Time accuracy is becoming a critical function of digital infrastructure

The PTP protocol is used to synchronise time precisely across networks. The IEEE notes growing demand in data centres, driven in particular by AI-related uses [1].

A European technology equipment manufacturer wanted to consolidate its view of the global market for time servers, synchronisation technologies and sector needs.

SURFEO was commissioned to shape a 3–10-year development plan and identify the priority segments.

Brief
Analyse the user sectors, NTP, PTP and White Rabbit technologies, the global ecosystem, trends, risks and opportunities.

Scope
Telecommunications, data centres, finance, defence, energy, industry, transport, space, science and public safety.
02 · Our intervention

Linking sector needs, technology trajectories and positioning options

01

Segment the uses

Qualify the needs in terms of accuracy, resilience and compliance.
02

Analyse the technologies

Compare protocols, oscillators, atomic references and architectures.
03

Map the ecosystem

Identify leaders, new entrants and alliance strategies.
04

Build the roadmap

Prioritise risks, opportunities and levers for differentiation.
03 · Key figures

A study structured around time horizons, protocols and uses

3–10 yearsroadmap horizon
3protocols studied: NTP, PTP, White Rabbit
10families of user sectors covered
4main areas: uses, technology, ecosystem, strategy
04 · Market

The need for accuracy extends from laboratories to data centres

Documented orders of accuracy

NTP
ms–µs
PTP
µs–ns
White Rabbit
sub-ns
Qualitative accuracy scale, based on IEEE and CERN [1][2].

Data centres

The IEEE is working explicitly on the use of PTP within and between data centres [1].

White Rabbit

The technology extends PTP and aims for sub-nanosecond synchronisation [2].

Resilience

The assignment took into account the risks of jamming and spoofing of reference signals [4].
05 · Outcomes

A consolidated view to steer development choices

A consolidated view of market and technology dynamics.
Identification of the priority segments to address.
Mapping of the global ecosystem and alliance strategies.
Concrete positioning options for critical applications.

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Sources

  1. [1] IEEE Standards Association, “Timing in Data Centers”, Industry Connections activity. https://standards.ieee.org/industry-connections/activities/timing-in-data-centers/
  2. [2] CERN / White Rabbit Collaboration, “Comprehensive introduction to WR”, 4 December 2024. https://indico.cern.ch/event/1480226/
  3. [3] NIST, “White Rabbit-Based Time Distribution at NIST”. https://www.nist.gov/publications/white-rabbit-based-time-distribution-nist
  4. [4] SURFEO internal project sheet, sole source for the assignment facts.
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