SyncServer® S350 SAASM
Ultra Precise & Versatile GB-GRAM SAASM Network Time Server

Versatile network time servers are often needed to meet the requirements for demanding, high performance network time synchronization as well as supply traditional time and frequency technology. The SyncServer® S350™ SAASM provides unsurpassed NTP performance for Military networks while being the most versatile time server in the world for traditional time and frequency applications.

The SyncServer S350 SAASM's GB-GRAM receiver is a third-generation GPS PPS, 12-channel receiver. The internal Ground-Based GPS Receiver Application Module (GB-GRAM) complies with the U.S. Government's GB-GRAM program that fulfills a GPS Wing initiative to migrate to a defined, open system architecture for ground-based embedded military applications.

When it comes to synchronizing the time on servers and workstations for mission critical DoD networks, the S350 SAASM sets new standards for security, accuracy, reliability and timing versatility in network time servers.

Why Convert to a SAASM-Based GPS Timing Receiver?

In 1998 The Joint Chiefs of Staff selected SAASM (Selective Availability Anti- Spoofing Module) as the security architecture to bring the Global Positioning System (GPS) to the next level and issued the following mandate: As of 1 October 2006, all newly-fielded Department of Defense GPS systems will use SAASM-compliant Precise Positioning System (PPS) devices. Procurement of non-SAASM GPS user-equipment will be disallowed unless waivered.

Despite a government mandate requiring all newly-fielded Department of Defense GPS systems to use SAASM-compliant Precise Positioning System (PPS) devices by October of 2006, many military groups and other federal agencies continue to purchase receivers without SAASM compliance. Military users purchasing a GPS receiver without SAASM, or anyone who waits until the October 2006 deadline is taking a security risk. Standard GPS service could be denied at any time via warfare tactics such as jamming or spoofing, and if this occurs, GPS receivers without SAASM will find it difficult to correct the situation quickly – the process to acquire SAASM-compliant receivers requires significant time for authorization and processing. This paper explains what SAASM is all about, why it’s important to GPS receiver end-users, and why those who deploy non-SAASM receivers are putting their organization at risk right now.

The need for improving GPS security came to the forefront even more so in
December 2004 in an announcement by President George W. Bush in which he issued the Space-Based Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) policy. The
PNT policy authorizes the improvement of the United States’ capabilities to deny
hostile use of any space-based positioning, navigation, and timing services without unduly disrupting civil and commercial access. In the policy, the President specifically directed the Secretary of Defense to develop and maintain navigation warfare capabilities required to effectively utilize the Global Positioning System services in the event of jamming or other interference by adversaries. This announcement underscores the fact that the federal government is increasing the level of urgency to safeguard GPS. The pressure for government agencies and military units to convert to SAASMcompliant GPS receivers is bound to also increase dramatically. Along with the selection of SAASM by the Joint Chiefs, the direction is clear: All defense agencies should begin converting to SAASM GPS receivers.