VIAVI Solutions launches Cesium‑less ePRTC360+ for 100 ns GNSS‑denied timing

VIAVI unveils patent‑pending Cesium‑less ePRTC360+

Cesium-free holdover promises 100 ns accuracy for GNSS‑denied networks

VIAVI Solutions introduces the patent‑pending ePRTC360+, a Cesium‑less enhanced primary reference time clock (ePRTC) that meets the ITU‑T G.8272.1 drift standard and delivers sub‑30 nanosecond short‑term drift on entry to holdover and under 100 ns drift over 14 days, all traceable to UTC. Engineered for critical infrastructure — power grids, transportation, aviation, public safety, 5G networks and AI data centers — the device integrates into VIAVI’s SecurePNT 6200 series and targets sites where deploying atomic clocks is cost‑prohibitive.

The system combines VIAVI’s altGNSS GEO‑L service with an augmented SecureTime GEO anti‑jamming antenna and an enhanced anti‑spoofing GNSS antenna that receive authenticated eGNSS GEO signals with GPS/GNSS‑NMA for spoofing detection and mitigation. Unlike conventional omni‑directional GNSS timing, the GEO‑L approach uses encrypted, highly directional L‑band transmissions from geostationary satellites to provide GNSS‑independent timing resilience, enabling operators to maintain 100 ns accuracy during jamming or spoofing with no specified time limit.

VIAVI frames ePRTC360+ as a lower‑cost alternative to Cesium clocks that preserves atomic‑level holdover performance while reducing capital and maintenance burdens. Field trials in live‑sky commercial and defense jamming and spoofing environments confirm robustness and suitability for high‑precision synchronization across smart grids, autonomous transport, time‑sensitive 5G networks and AI compute fabrics. Doug Russell, VIAVI’s aerospace and defense head, says the product “exceeds leading‑edge Cesium‑level holdover performance” and enables broader deployment across the sync network.

Mobile World Congress lineup highlights convergence

VIAVI is also presenting more than 30 demonstrations at Mobile World Congress Barcelona, showcasing AI data center validation, assured Position, Navigation and Timing (APNT), Non‑Terrestrial Network testing, and quantum‑safe communications. The company frames the program around domain convergence — networks, AI, security, photonics and sensing — and runs daily digital twin demos at 1600 CET with partners including AWS, Ericsson, Nokia and NVIDIA.

Market positioning and product reach

VIAVI emphasizes its role in test and measurement and optical technologies that secure critical infrastructure from data centers to military and first‑responder communications. The company highlights integrated test, monitoring and assurance toolsets that underpin resilient PNT solutions and high‑volume optical applications across anti‑counterfeiting, aerospace, industrial, railway and automotive markets.