10-3
Cisco ONS 15454 Reference Manual, R7.0
78-17191-01
Chapter 10 Timing
10.3 10.3 Synchronization Status Messaging
Figure 10-1 ONS 15454 Timing Example
10.3 Synchronization Status Messaging
Synchronization status messaging (SSM) is a SONET protocol that communicates information about the
quality of the timing source. SSM messages are carried on the S1 byte of the SONET Line layer. They
enable SONET devices to automatically select the highest quality timing reference and to avoid timing
loops.
SSM messages are either Generation 1 or Generation 2. Generation 1 is the first and most widely
deployed SSM message set. Generation 2 is a newer version. If you enable SSM for the ONS 15454,
consult your timing reference documentation to determine which message set to use. Table 1 0-1 and
Table 10-2 on page 10-4 show the Generation 1 and Generation 2 message sets.
Node 4
Timing Line
Ref 1: Slot 6
Ref 2: Slot 5
Ref 3: Internal (ST3)
Node 2
Timing Line
Ref 1: Slot 5
Ref 2: Slot 6
Ref 3: Internal (ST3)
Node 1
Timing External
Ref 1: BITS1
Ref 2: BITS2
Ref 3: Internal (ST3)
Node 3
Timing Line
Ref 1: Slot 5
Ref 2: Slot 6
Ref 3: Internal (ST3)
BITS1
out
BITS2
out
BITS1
source
BITS2
source
Third party
equipment
34726
Slot 5
Slot 5
Slot 5
Slot 5
Slot 6
Slot 6
Slot 6
Slot 6
Table 10-1 SSM Generation 1 Message Set
Message Quality Description
PRS 1 Primary reference source—Stratum 1
STU 2 Synchronization traceability unknown