In Focus Network

New learning unit in the Optical Time & Frequency Networks eAcademy: “Metrology Concepts for Time & Frequency”

Our introductory series Optical Time and Frequency Networks (OTFN) eAcademy continues, with the new learning unit “Metrology Concepts for Time & Frequency”.

In the first two units we covered why it’s important to measure time with extreme precision and possible use cases where that is needed, as well as the fundamentals of Time and Frequency, including definitions, frequency standards, and timescales.

The third unit in the OTFN eAcademy takes you into the world of metrology – the science of measurement – and into its application in the context of Time and Frequency. By following this unit, you will learn about metrological terms and definitions, about key concepts like accuracy, stability, traceability and uncertainty, as well as about the coordination of time and frequency transmissions around the world. Enjoy our classic learning format, complete with videos, further reading materials and documents, and a fun quiz to test your knowledge at the end!

Access the unit here: https://e-academy.geant.org/moodle/course/view.php?id=527 (login required).

Course duration: 30 minutes

Trainers: Wojbor Bogacki and Krzysztof Turza (PSNC)1 and the Time and Frequency Networks Training Development Team

About the OTFN eAcademy

The Optical Time & Frequency Networks (OTFN) eAcademy is a new training programme in the GÉANT Network eAcademy, developed by the GÉANT Project’s Network Development team. The programme consists of eleven units, currently being released at a regular pace, covering different types of T&F services, monitoring, how-to cookbooks, and a specific focus on CERN’s White Rabbit technology.

You can find all courses and also the familiar course map – this time in a “clock format” – by visiting the Optical Time & Frequency Networks (OTFN) eAcademy. Follow the programme at your own pace – either by advancing through each learning unit clockwise or by simply selecting the units that interest you the most.

GÉANT OTFN eAcademy - February 2025

Visit the Network eAcademy training portal (part of the NETDEV wiki) to access the Network Automation eAcademy, the Quantum Tech eAcademy, and the OTFN eAcademy. If you have any questions, please contact network-eacademy@lists.geant.org.


If you would like to find out more about the Time and Frequency work in the GÉANT community, check the new Special Interest Group on Time and Frequency Network (SIG-TFN): community.geant.org/sig-tfn

The group met for the first time in Amsterdam last October. The second SIG-TFN meeting will now take place in Ispra, Italy on 12-13 March 2025, hosted by the European Commission Joint Research Center (EC JRC). Details of this meeting and future meetings can also be found on the SIG-TFN wiki.


1- The scientific work is published for the realisation of the international project co-financed by Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education from financial resources of the programme entitled “PMW”

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