098-00173-000 Revision A December 2009

Copyright 2009, Symmetricom. All Rights Reserved

System Release Notice
TimeProvider 500
IEEE 1588v2 Translator
Introduction
Thank you for choosing Symmetricom as your telecommunications timing and synchronization
solutions provider.
This Software Release Notice (SRN) describes the key features and known issues associated
with the revision 2.0.7 of the TimeProvider 500 IEEE 1588v2 Translator.
Product Overview
The TimeProvider 500 is a standalone IEEE 1588v2 Precision Timing Protocol (PTP) translator
product that enables rapid migration from TDM-based to packet-based timing and
synchronization solutions.
TimeProvider 500 is fully interoperable with Symmetricoms TimeProvider 5000, TimeHub, and
SSU 2000 IEEE 1588v2 grandmaster products, as well as third-party grandmaster products that
comply with the IEEE 1588v2 protocol standard.
Key Features
The key features supported in this release of the TimeProvider 500 IEEE 1588v2 Translator
include:
Hardware Features:
1 Rack Unit (RU) Package
Dual -48 VDC Power Input Connectors
OXCO Oscillator
Integrated 100 Mbps PTP Network Port and Ethernet Management Port
Dual T1/E1 BNC and RJ 48 Output Ports
1PPS Output Shared with E1/T1 BNC
10 MHz Sine-Wave Output Port
DE-9 Communication Port
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Bookend Solution with Symmetricoms PTP-System Blades and TimeProvider 5000
Grandmaster Products
Software Features:
PTP to E1/T1, 1PPS, and 10 MHz Signal Translation
Improved Performance from Version 1.0
Auto-Negotiated Unicast
Multiple VLAN Support
PTP Performance Metrics
Command Line Interface (CLI)
Multicast (hybrid) PTP
PTP Management via TimeProvider 5000 Proxy, including Alarms
DHCP
TOD Messages on Serial Port
Notes:
Serial port settings are: 57600 baud, 8N1, Flow Control None.
Default values are: admi n (user name), symmadmi n** (password), and 192. 168. 1. 9 (IP
address).
After configuring IP and VLAN parameters, it is recommended that the settings be verified
with the show i nt er f ace conf i g CLI command.
Changing PTP packet flow configurations will result in a brief flow alarm.
There is some coupling for outputs. See the output connector section in the Overview
chapter of the TimeProvider 500 2.0 User Guide for output coupling information.
When changing the grandmaster attachment from one interface to another, disable PTP first
(using the set pt p addr - mode di sabl e CLI command), change the attachment, and then
enable PTP after the attachment change. If PTP is not disabled, communication may not be
re-established between the grandmaster and the TimeProvider 500.
To view the current product number, firmware version, and product serial number, use the
show i nvent or y CLI command.
The pulse width factory default is 500 ns when running on 090-03863-01 hardware. For an
optimum pulse shape on the 090-03863-01 hardware, the pulse width should be set to 500 ns
(default value) or less.
When switching from unicast to multicast and there is no multicast master, delay requests will
continue to be sent to the unicast grandmaster until the unicast lease expires.
Do not attempt to load 1.0 firmware on a unit that is running 2.0 or higher firmware. This type
of firmware loading is not supported.
When upgrading firmware, only lowercase file names are supported; including directory paths
and usernames.
098-00173-000 Revision A December 2009 Page 3
Please consult the TimeProvider 500 2.0 User Guide (098-00172-000) for detailed descriptions
of the features listed above.
Upgrading from Version 1.0 Firmware
When upgrading from version 1.0 firmware, to any revision of the 2.0 firmware, non-volatile
settings are preserved. See Appendix C of the TimeProvider 500 2.0 Users Guide for a
comparison of the 1.0 CLI commands with updated and new 2.0 CLI commands.
Known Issues
24240: Prolonged flooding of the TimeProvider 500 with non-sync packets may cause a
reboot.
Workaround: Assure that the TimeProvider 500 is filtered so that non-sync packets are not
sent to the units IP address.
25441: The TimeProvider 500 reads the leap second pending flags from the sync message
rather than from the announce message. This could cause the UTC time to be incorrect for a
short time after a leap second event.
Workaround: Some grandmasters set the leap pending flag in the sync message. The time
will correct within 30 seconds of a leap second event.
Using the Release CD
To launch the CD for Microsoft Windows, insert the CD into your computers CD-ROM drive, then
do the following:
In Windows Explorer, double-click on the PDF documentation file for your product.
Available Documentation for Setup and Configuration
Software Release Notice (this document, 098-00173-000)
TimeProvider 500 User's Guide (098-00172-000)
This Software Release Notice, and the guide are included in PDF format on the CD. Use Adobe
Acrobat Reader to open the appropriate file on the CD.
You will need the version of Adobe Acrobat Reader that is appropriate for your operating system
to view and print these documents. If you dont have Acrobat Reader already installed on your
system, you can install it from the CD or download it from Adobes Web site
(http://www.adobe.com).
Note: Use the show i nvent or y CLI command to verify firmware version.
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Where to Find Installation Procedures
Please refer to the TimeProvider 500 Users Guide (098-00172-000) for instructions for installing
and updating the software.
Contacting Technical Support
If you encounter any difficulty installing the update or operating the product, contact
Symmetricom Global Services at:
U.S.A. Call Center:
including Americas, Asia, and Pacific Rim
Symmetricom, Inc.
2300 Orchard Parkway
San J ose, CA 95131-1017
Toll-free in USA: 888-367-7966 (1-888-FOR-SYMM)
Telephone: 408-428-7907
Fax: 408-428-7998
E-mail: support@symmetricom.com
Internet: http://www.symmetricom.com
Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) Call Center:
Symmetricom Global Services EMEA
Altlaufstrasse 42
85635 Hoehenkirchen-Siegertsbrunn Germany
Tel: +49 700 3288 6435
Fax: +49 8102 89615-33
E-mail: emeasupport@symmetricom.com
Internet: http://www.symmetricom.com