High Performance NTP Server, PTP Grandmaster and Network Sync Monitor

VelaSync™ high speed time server with TimeKeeper™ inside is a network appliance designed for high frequency trading and other low-latency network applications. The combination of FSMLab’s TimeKeeper’s highly optimized timing protocols and management functions, Spectracom’s precision GPS timing technology, and the flexibility of commodity hardware offers exceptional performance and keeps pace with the needs of evolving network infrastructure. The server offers multiple 1GbE (RJ-45) and 10 GbE (SFP+) network ports for set-up, management, and simultaneous NTP and PTP server/grandmaster capability.

Flexible Configuration Provides Reliable, Secure Time

TimeKeeper’s web-based user interface simplifies configuration of multiple time sources for resiliency against GPS attacks, spoofing or jamming, and equipment failures. For example, the server can be easily setup to use a PTP source as a backup to the on-board GPS and use an NTP source as a cross check. The servers can be setup to back up each other so that if one fails, the time service continues. It includes redundant hot-swap power supplies.

Network Sync Monitoring in a Single At-a-glance Instance

A unique aspect of TimeKeeper is the ability to auto-discover and monitor your network’s synchronization topology. From a single-pane-of-glass, see where the server time is going, monitor downstream clients, and discover other available time sources. The benefit is to verify redundancies and failover options, and identify single points of failure and “choke points”. See everything related to time sync across the enterprise.

Thanks to Spectracom for the article. 

Spectracom's NetClock 9483 offers a versatile modular design that's fully NENA compliant and tailored especially for Emergency Communication Center applications. And now it has a new Web User Interface that's easier to use and provides intuitive status monitoring with simple set-up.

A key feature of the 9483 is its capability of time-synchronizing multiple separate networks. The modular design provides expansion card slots, one of which is the 3-network port GigE option card providing synchronization for up to (4) networks simultaneously. Cards can be added with the initial order, or in the future as system requirements change and evolve.

NetClock 9483 features include:

• Synchronizes 9-1-1 systems, computer networks, CAD, radio consoles, VoIP, voice and video recorders, ANI/ALI, display clocks
• Precision GPS time reference with OCXO oscillator for GPS back-up
• Multi-network port card for separate, isolated networks
• GLONASS receiver option improves signal acquisition in marginal GPS signal areas, reduces or eliminates signal interference and jamming, provides redundancy for the GPS system
• Optional feature of Dual- Redundant (AC/DC) power
• Optional T1/E1 timing card
• 5 year warranty

Thanks to Spectracom for the article. 

A guide to PoE and why it's a smart choice for clocks and other small devices

You may already know all about Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology. You may be well-versed in the low power consumption, cost-effectiveness, and ease of installation for the hundreds of modern devices that utilize the technology, such as VoIP phones, webcams and other devices including Inova's OnTime digital clocks, analog clocks, and OnTrack X Series digital displays. But for those not familiar with PoE (read "P-O-E," not Poe as in Edgar Allen), allow me to review the basics.

What is Power over Ethernet, Anyway?

Power over Ethernet technology is a network standard that allows various devices, such as Voice over IP (VoIP) telephones, wireless LAN access points, clocks, and digital signs to receive both power and data over existing LAN cabling. In 2003, PoE became an international standard, called IEEE 802.3af, as an extension to existing Ethernet standards.

There is no need to modify your existing Ethernet switch equipment or cabling to support PoE. Simply add a midspan power injector in a switch room or endpoint to inject power into the twisted pair LAN cables. PoE is fully compatible with both powered and non-powered 10/100BaseT Ethernet devices, featuring a "discovery process" specifically designed to prevent damage to existing Ethernet equipment.

Since no AC outlets are needed to power devices, PoE offers significant time and installation cost savings. In fact, when Purdue University powered more than 1,000 access points with PoE power in 2003, they reportedly saved between $350 to $1,000 per access point by eliminating labor costs from contracting an electrician to run wiring for new AC outlets. For a large project such as Purdue's, the savings amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars or even millions. That's savings you can take to the bank (and maybe even earn you a promotion, or at least a congratulatory pat on the back).

In January of 2014 we are expecting to release the new browser interface for Spectracom SecureSync and 9400 Netclock Series of time servers.

The new Web-UI for the NetClock Time Server, offers new very easy-to-use, highly intuitive and interactive experience for the user when configuring and monitoring the Spectracom NetClock Models.

You can view a preview of the new UI on this 10 minute video included below. We would certainly be interested in hearing any comments you may have after viewing the video.

2 problems need to be solved in any time-related application:

(1) Which clock is used as the reference for all other clocks
(2) How to transfer the time from the reference clock to all other clocks

The solution to time as a reference is a master clock. The method by which the accuracy of the master clock is transferred to another, slave, or secondary clock, is known as synchronization. Spectracom offers a variety of master clocks, synchronization clocks, and master clock systems to meet the requirements for your application of accurate time. Typically, GPS satellite signals are utilized for synchronization to ensure accurate time, but other references may be used such as case of local atomic clocks or other time standards.

What is a master clock?

Master Clocks normally take one or more precise timing reference signals as inputs, then convert and distribute those timing references to other devices so their clocks are almost as accurate as the master clock.

Master clock systems are used in a wide variety of applications and industries including aerospace and defense, broadcast, radio, and telecom, network systems, financial services, emergency operations and call centers, and healthcare -- essentially anywhere reliability of data and signals are paramount.

Network master clocks distribute their timing references over local or wide area networks. Master clocks with wireless transmitters enable synchronization of devices (like display clocks) without having to run wires between them for the synchronization signal. There are also highly accurate master clock solutions that utilize copper or fiber connections for signal distribution of precise analog and digital signals such as IRIG timecode, and HaveQuick and STANAG timecodes.

When every second counts, buyers of hospital clock systems time and time again turn to Inova’s OnTime Ethernet clocks. Ok, so maybe there are too many puns in that opening sentence, but there are absolute truths buried in there. Take, for example, a hospital system in Indiana that needed around-the-clock support. (Ok, I’m done now) But seriously – when Reid Hospital in Richmond, Indiana purchased 450 Inova OnTime™ Ethernet clocks, they did so to fit their existing technology footprint.

Reid Hospital had previously made an investment in Cisco Power over Ethernet switches back in 2007. According to the clock purchaser, the clocks helped to justify the investment in the PoE Cisco switches.

In healthcare facilities like Reid Hospital, synchronized time is critical to daily operations, whether it’s checking on patients or delivering medications. When shift workers’ schedules are in sync, patients can count on uninterrupted care whenever they need it.

Here are some commonalities we’ve seen from hospitals that rely on OnTime for timekeeping:

• Hospitals depend on PoE devices like OnTime because they’re CE-marked for low RF emittance. Compared to wireless clocks that require A/C power or batteries, our network clocks are powered by the network itself, and don’t transmit or receive radio frequencies. This is an especially important consideration when purchasing clocks that will be located near sensitive medical equipment.
• Hospitals are the biggest buyers of our stainless steel 6-digit clocks for emergency rooms and operating rooms. Inova is the only manufacturer of a stainless steel clock that matches the décor of OR facilities. Inova OnTime is also the only clock that features three-quarter-height seconds, meaning that it’s easy to read and distinguish between full-height hours and minutes and three-quarter-height seconds.
• Hospitals love the look of our analog clocks in patient rooms because they don’t emit light, which could detract from a darkened room environment for sleeping. Because they’re synchronized to the network, doctors and nurses can trust the times shown for medication administration and other time-critical tasks.

Thanks to Inova Solutions for the article. 

What is NTP?

Network Time Protocol (NTP) is a protocol that provides a reliable way of transmitting and receiving the time over TCP/IP networks. It has become the de facto standard for synchronizing Internet computers and other networked devices to Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), which is accomplished by having these devices reference a common time source – i.e., an atomic clock or a network time server (a.k.a. an “NTP server”). (NTP is defined in IETF RFC 1305.)

NTP uses port 123, which must be opened on a firewall or router to ensure proper communication with the NTP server.

What is SNTP?

Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP) is a simplified version of NTP, which is used in cases where a full implementation of NTP is not required. Because SNTP uses the same packet format as NTP, SNTP clients can utilize NTP servers. (SNTP is defined in RFCs 1361,2030 & 4330.)

SNTP is implemented on the PoE clock. By default, SNTP time synchronization is performed once per hour, which keeps the displayed time within 200 ms of actual time. (For more information on how to configure your clock for an SNTP server see How do I configure my PoE clock for an SNTP Time Server? below)

What is International Atomic Time?

International Atomic Time is an international time standard derived from 200 atomic clocks in 50 national laboratories from around the world. The readings from these clocks are used to form the standard for Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), which governs global time-keeping.

What do want from time Synchronization?

We often respond to questions about whether a customer needs an accurate and reliable time source for their network, and if so, which time source do I need. The answer to this depends primarily on the size of your network, and the how accurate a time source you need for your business.

If you have a smaller network, timing is probably not that critical, but as you add more servers, workstations, and devices such as IP phones, accurate time becomes more important. A typical first step is to point a server or a router to an internet time source and everything on the network gets its time from that server or router.

As your network continues to grow, that same internet time source may not be reliable, secure or accurate enough to keep your network in sync. At that point installing an NTP or PTP GPS time source becomes much more critical

Why does the Time not stay the same on all devices?

Every element in the network has an internal clock but due to things like the quality and age of the oscillator and the working temperature these internal clocks will drift. A server working under load generating more heat will drift a different rate than a server under normal load.

This means that each element in the network is drifting at a different rate and the end result is no two elements have the same exact time.

SecureSync platform to support the integration of multiple devices and systems using precise time and frequency signals

Rochester, NY USA June 28, 2012 — Spectracom, a business of the Orolia Group, has commenced delivery of their SecureSync® precision timing systems to Northrop Grumman. Northrop Grumman selected the SecureSync platform to support the integration of multiple devices and systems using precise time and frequency signals. Timing and synchronization is a critical interoperability parameter for different systems to operate as one integrated force.

The SecureSync platform is ideal for military systems as it provides a high level of integration and capability in a compact chassis for mobile deployments for theater-wide defense. Offering the reliability, precision, and ease-of-use needed for mission-critical operations, the system fits in a single rack unit and is expandable and upgradeable to accommodate future requirements.

Spectracom General Manager, Bill Glase, comments, “We understand the needs of our customers to manage and monitor precision timing signals that interface multiple devices and systems into one operational unit. Our approach to offer a robust and modular timing system provides an integrated solution at the lowest total cost.”

Pending Changes in the WWVB Radio Signal Affects Precision Frequency and Timing Reference

A change in the WWVB signal is being considered to reduce the impact of electro-magnetic interference for improved reception for consumer-grade clocks and watches.  Why does this matter? This change also affects the operation of precise time and frequency standards whose receivers are based on phase-locked loops, such as Spectracom WWVB receivers (all long discontinued), so these products will not operate as intended.

WWVB is a radio station operated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Ft. Collins, Colorado to transmit a time and frequency standard over a low frequency signal. Spectracom manufactured WWVB receivers as a traceable source for frequency standards and/or a time references (master clocks) for automatic synchronization of electronic equipment and computers; virtually any time-sensitive or frequency-stable device. The signal is also used to synchronize clocks and watches.

Despite increases in signal strength over the years, electro-magnetic interference affects the reliability of WWVB reception. A new protocol based on phase-modulation can improve signal reception and is backwards compatible with consumer-grade clocks and watches. However, Spectracom receivers will not function once the WWVB signal has changed.

Since GPS has long been the current standard for traceability in precision timing applications, there are no current, or recently discontinued Spectracom products this will affect. However, there are much older generation time & frequency references and master clocks that will no longer receive the WWVB signal when the change is permanently implemented (expected around mid summer 2012).

If you are currently operating one of these models listed below, it will no longer operate as intended as a result of the WWVB signal change: