Adtran, Satelles partner against GPS/GNSS attacks

HUNTSVILLE — Global Positioning Systems and other Global Navigation Satellite Systems are susceptible to disturbances or attacks that could have a devastating impact on critical infrastructure.

Huntsville-based Adtran, a provider of next-generation networking solutions, formed a strategic partnership with Satelles, a supplier of secure time and location technology using low-earth orbit satellites, the companies said.

The collaboration will enable operators of critical infrastructure to safeguard their timing networks with Satellite Time and Location technology, the release said.

By integrating Satelles’ STL into its Oscilloquartz network synchronization products, Adtran will provide an alternative to GNSS or a way to augment them with enhanced reliability and security.

“We’re pleased to be working with Adtran’s Oscilloquartz division to integrate STL into its portfolio of PTP network timing devices,” said Christina Riley, vice president and general manager of Commercial Enterprise Solutions at Satelles. “Together, we’re enabling even more customers to benefit from their game-changing a PNT+ technology.

“Leveraging LEO signals that are 1,000 times stronger than GNSS, our STL solution is transforming the PNT industry.”

With the ability to deliver highly precise Positioning, Navigation and Timing service, even in GNSS-denied applications, STL offers a resource for mobile operators, power utility companies, government, scientific research and more.

“It’s ideal for providing accurate, reliable timing where GNSS can’t reach, such as indoor locations,” Riley said. “And in settings where it is possible to receive GNSS signals, STL complements it with additional PNT services to improve resiliency.

“Easy and affordable to install, STL also offers new levels of security for synchronization network infrastructure.“

STL provides augmented and secure backup for GPS or other GNSS by harnessing encrypted signals transmitted via LEO satellites. It ensures timing and location information that is highly precise, robustly secure, and accessible worldwide.

STL is effectively impervious to cyberattacks and is far less susceptible to GNSS vulnerabilities such as signal disruption and manipulation. And because STL signals are up to 1,000 times stronger than GNSS, they can easily reach into buildings and other hard-to-reach locations.

Gil Biran, Adtran’s general manager of Oscilloquartz, said the company is excited to offer Satelles’ innovative STL technology as the perfect addition to their portfolio.

“Reliable, precise and secure, STL is an excellent source of alternative PNT services that’s ideal for use in situations where distributed PTP is unavailable,” Biran said. “It also creates new market opportunities for indoor 5G and data center use cases.

“By incorporating it into our solutions, we’ll empower operators of mission-critical networks to bring robust timing to the most challenging environments and remove the expense of installing outdoor antennas and coring through concrete.

“This partnership reinforces our commitment to providing the most advanced and reliable network timing solutions available, and we look forward to bringing the advantages of STL to customers around the world.”