DHS Tests Timing Tool for Financial Transactions at NYSE; Reginald Brothers Comments

The Department of Homeland Security’s science and technology directorate has demonstrated at the New York Stock Exchange a system that works to complement GPS tools that provide users timing information for financial transactions.

DHS said Wednesday the Enhanced Loran or eLoran is a low-frequency radio navigation signal that ground-based stations broadcast to supply positioning, navigation and timing services across urban and indoor environments.

“We were able to not only provide signals indoors but also provide timing information to within 30 nanoseconds of our UTC reference,” said Sarah Mahmood, S&T’s program manager for a DHS cooperation agreement with industry partners for eLoran.

Juniper Networks hosted the eLoran demonstration at NYSE Tuesday as part of that cooperative research-and-development agreement.

DHS’ S&T directorate also partnered with the U.S. Coast Guard, Harris Corp. and UrsaNav to study the potential use of eLoran in the operation of critical infrastructures under the9 R&D pact.

“Accurate position, navigation, and timing is necessary for the function and integrity of many critical infrastructure sectors, such as the electric grid, communication networks, and financial institutions,” said Reginald Brothers, undersecretary for science and technology at DHS.

“Ensuring the continuous and uninterrupted availability of critical information ensures our national security.”