Power distribution networks are mission-critical infrastructure. The electric utilities that maintain these networks avoid disruptions that could put people and businesses at risk. To keep their grids running smoothly, utilities need solutions that can support grid monitoring, protection and control applications by reliably distributing synchronized time and phase information across the network. This white paper describes how synchronization technologies such as the Precision Time Protocol (PTP) can address the demands of power distribution network applications that require synchronization. It also describes the Nokia solution for delivering precise timing across intra-substation and inter-substation communications.