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The Network Time Protocol is the standard Internet protocol for distributing accurate time to network time clients. There are a large number of NTP servers that reside on the Internet and can be freely accessed by any number of clients. However, in many cases it may be essential for organisations to install their own Stratum 1 time server. This article introduces a number of external reference clock time and frequency resources that can be used for synchronising a stratum 1 NTP time server.
Probably the most widely used NTP reference clock resource is currently the Global Positioning System (GPS). The GPS system consists of a number of orbiting satellites providing accurate positioning and location information. However, each GPS satellite also has an integral highly accurate atomic clock that can be used as a timing reference. Utilising the GPS system for time synchronisation has a number of advantages. GPS can provide a highly accurate source of time using a relatively low-cost antenna and receiver. A typical GPS receiver can provide timing information to within a few nanoseconds of UTC. Additionally, the GPS signal can be received anywhere in the world, where the antenna can be provided with a good view of the sky. The disadvantage of using the GPS system is the very fact that the antenna requires a view of the sky. In many installations, locating an antenna on a rooftop can be impractical or expensive.
There are also a number of national time and frequency radio transmissions that can be used to synchronise a stratum 1 NTP server. The advantage of using a radio time reference is that generally a good signal can be obtained indoors close to the host computer. This can greatly reduce potential installation costs. However, radio time references are generally less accurate than GPS systems. Typically, national time and frequency transmissions are accurate to 1 - 20 milliseconds. The radio signal has a finite range and is confined to the local region from which the transmission is generated. Additionally, local interference or environmental issues can cause problems with reception. Placing a radio antenna too close to electrically noisy equipment can result in signal loss. Also, locating an antenna inside a metal enclosure or underground in a basement can also be a problem.
There are numerous radio national time and frequency resources each broadcasting to a regional audience.
The WWVB time and frequency signal is a 60kHz radio broadcast transmitted from Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. The WWVB signal continuously transmits time and frequency signals throughout the US and much of Northern America. The signal provides UTC time to an accuracy of 100 microseconds.
The DCF-77 time and frequency signal is transmitted from Frankfurt, Germany. DCF-77 continuously broadcasts time and frequency information at 77.5kHz. The transmission covers Germany and much of Central and North Western Europe. Time and frequency information is broadcast to an accuracy of <20msec.
The MSF radio time and frequency broadcast is transmitted at 60kHz from Anthorn, Cumbria, UK. The broadcast covers the British Isles and much of North Western Europe. Time and frequency information is broadcast to an accuracy of <1msec.
The TDF time signal is broadcast from Allouis, France. It continuously broadcasts time and frequency information at 162kHz. The transmitter has a power output of 2000kW, with coverage of France and much of Central and Western Europe.
The JJY long-wave time and frequency broadcast is transmitted from Tokyo, Japan. The broadcast is continuously transmitted at 60kHz and covers much of Japan and Far Eastern Asia.
To conclude, there are many sources of time and frequency reference broadcasts available. When choosing a reference to utilise for a stratum 1 NTP server, regional availability must be taken into account along with ease of installation and required accuracy.
Dave Evans is a technical author with a background in NTP server solutions, reference clocks and telecommunications. Dave provides a technical authoring service to reference clock and NTP server manufacturers. Dave has also provided a configuration, installation and repair service for computer timing systems. Click here to find out more about NTP server solutions.
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