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: