Every network technology’s timing and synchronization signal traces back to GPS.

The problem is that GPS signals are very weak and easy to disrupt. They have been disrupted by solar flares, malfunctioning electrical and electronic equipment, and poorly mounted TV antennas. Small illegal GPS jammers have become popular with privacy seekers and criminals, and U.S. adversaries are known to employ larger jammers that can deny GPS over very large areas.

When GPS disruptions occur, networks rely upon backup clocks to maintain time and synchronization. These can be of varying quality and can maintain sync for anywhere from a few minutes to a few days. As soon as clocks de-synchronize, those portions of the network fail.

The RNT Foundation is working to safeguard GPS services by advocating policies and systems to Protect, Toughen, and Augment them.

Here are a few of the many resources we have available on GPS and information technology:

Information Technology Sector

The Synchronization Committee of the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Standards (ATIS-Sync) is the leading body in the United States for timing and synchronization issues.

ATIS Letter to DOT 2015

ATIS Letters to Congress 2017