International Telecom Sync Forum

ITSF 2014 was held in Budapest, Hungary Nov 4-6th and the conference theme was “Time for the Future”; and the new challenges related to applications such as CoMP, eICIC and TDD; new time delivery technologies such as GNSS alternatives; new technologies for resilient timing and threat mitigation and new standards and measurement metrics.

There was a pre-conference welcome drinks reception sponsored by Semtech and Day 1 ITSF began with a tutorial session “Time to Learn”. This was ideal for new attendees and regulars alike and was delivered by invited subject matter expert speakers. The conference proper opened with the conference theme session “Time for the Future” examining future time, timing/frequency and phase requirements and delivery technologies. A panel session wrapped up the first day with panel members drawn from Day 1 Speakers. Day 1 concluded in the evening with the annual “Icebreaker” event sponsored by Oscilloquartz which was an evening sightseeing by boat on the Danube.

Day 2 began with invited papers from Industry Standards committee members reviewing the latest additions in the session “Time in Standards”. This was followed by “Time to Apply” looking at the applications that need Time, Timing and Phase. During the evening the annual “Time Lord Award” dinner sponsored by Calnex which all delegates and partners were invited. The 2014 TimeLord was Gerhard Thanhäuser.

Day 3 began with a review of vulnerabilities in sources, distribution and transport “Time under Threat”. This was one of the key sessions of the conference and we explored vulnerabilities, mitigation techniques and political pressure to adopt new time delivery techniques. ITSF 2014 concluded with “Time in Distribution” examining performance monitoring, measurement issues and techniques.

We look forward to seeing you at the next ITSF - 3rd-5th November 2015 - Venue to be advised.

Prof. Charles Curry, BEng, CEng, FIET
Chairman ITSF Steering Group