Symmetricom and Alcatel-Lucent to Collaborate on IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) Synchronization Solutions

Symmetricom®, Inc. (NASDAQ: SYMM), a major supplier of precise time and frequency technologies, today announced the company will collaborate with Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) on solutions that use Symmetricom’s IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) synchronization technology. This technology is used by service providers migrating to Ethernet transport for mobile backhaul and opting for IEEE 1588-2008 as the Node-B timing solution. Synchronization of base stations is a critical component in ensuring quality of service in Ethernet-based networks.

Alcatel-Lucent conducted extensive testing of IEEE 1588 grandmaster synchronization solutions and selected Symmetricom based on its exceptional levels of performance, redundancy and interoperability. Alcatel-Lucent will resell Symmetricom’s TimeProvider® 5000 IEEE 1588 Grandmaster Clock and its IEEE 1588 Blades for the SSU 2000 and TimeHub®.

“As one of the most experienced providers of mobile backhaul solutions in the industry, Alcatel-Lucent recognizes the importance of network synchronization in delivering quality of service to customers,” said Steve Dyck, director, mobile backhaul solutions, Alcatel-Lucent. “After completing extensive interoperability testing of Symmetricom’s IEEE 1588 capability, we’ve determined that Symmetricom’s comprehensive PTP solutions, backed by the company’s expertise and advanced synchronization technology, will enable us to provide seamless and advanced end-to-end synchronization solutions for Ethernet-based mobile backhaul applications.”

Symmetricom’s IEEE 1588 server platform meets the most stringent timing and synchronization requirements of Ethernet backhaul. Symmetricom’s TimeProvider 5000 Grandmaster Clock has proven to be interoperable with Alcatel-Lucent’s Service Routers, and W-CDMA and LTE base stations. The integration of Symmetricom’s TimePictra management platform with Alcatel-Lucent’s 5620 Service Aware Manager platform will allow service providers to centrally monitor and control the end-to-end mobile backhaul solution through one single interface.

“We are pleased that Alcatel-Lucent has confirmed that Symmetricom’s proven IEEE 1588 technology is a strong option for addressing the challenges of synchronization in Ethernet-based mobile backhaul,” commented Eric Colard, vice president of business development at Symmetricom. “The combined Symmetricom and Alcatel-Lucent solution is an excellent option to deliver unparalleled performance, seamless integration and carrier-class reliability for W-CDMA and LTE mobile operators using Ethernet transport.”

About Alcatel-Lucent

Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) is the trusted transformation partner of service providers, enterprises, strategic industries such as defense, energy, healthcare, transportation, and governments worldwide, providing solutions to deliver voice, data and video communication services to end-users. A leader in fixed, mobile and converged broadband networking, IP technologies, applications and services, Alcatel-Lucent leverages the unrivalled technical and scientific expertise of Bell Labs, one of the largest innovation powerhouses in the communications industry. With operations in more than 130 countries and the most experienced global services organization in the industry, Alcatel-Lucent is a local partner with a global reach. Alcatel-Lucent achieved revenues of Euro 15.2 billion in 2009 and is incorporated in France, with executive offices located in Paris. For more information, visit Alcatel-Lucent on the Internet: http://www.alcatel-lucent.com.

About Symmetricom, Inc.

Symmetricom (NASDAQ: SYMM), a world leader in precise time solutions, sets the world’s standard for time. The company generates, distributes and applies precise time for the communications, aerospace/defense, IT infrastructure and metrology industries. Symmetricom’s customers, from communications service providers and network equipment manufacturers to governments and their suppliers worldwide, are able to build more reliable networks and systems by using the company’s advanced timing technologies, atomic clocks, services and solutions. All products support today’s precise timing standards, including GPS-based timing, IEEE 1588 (PTP), Network Time Protocol (NTP), Synchronous Ethernet and DOCSIS® timing. Symmetricom is based in San Jose, Calif., with offices worldwide. For more information, visit: http://www.symmetricom.com.

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