Choosing the time signal appropriate for your network

A computer network synchronization is essential in the modern world. Many computer networks in the world are synchronized with the same global timescale UTC (Coordinated Universal Time).

To manage the synchronization protocol NTP (Network Time Protocol) is used in most cases because it is capable of synchronizing a network reliably to a few milliseconds compared to UTC.

However, the accuracy of time synchronization depends only on the accuracy of the time reference that is selected by NTP for distribution and it is here where one of the errors in the synchronization of networks.

Many network managers rely on Internet time references as a source of UTC time, however, in addition to the security risks it poses (since they are on the wrong side of the firewall-firewall network), besides its accuracy can not be guaranteed and recent studies have found that less than half of them provide any useful detail at all.

For a safe, accurate and reliable UTC really only two options. Use the time signal from the GPS network or rely on the long-wave radio transmissions national physics laboratories such as NIST and NPL.Para select which method is better then the only factor to consider is the location of the NTP server is the one who receives the time signal.

The GPS is the most flexible in that the signal is available literally around the planet, but the only downside to the signal is that a GPS antenna should be placed on the roof, because you need a clear view of sky. This can be problematic if the NTP time server is located on the lower floors of a skyscraper, but in general most users of GPS time signals are very reliable and the incredibly accurate.

In the event that GPS is not practical then the national time and frequency provide an equally safe and accurate method of UTC. These long-wave signals are broadcast by all countries, however, the spread of the U.S. signal NIST WWVB in Colorado is available in most of North America including Canada.

There are several versions of this signal broadcast across Europe, including Germany and the DCF signal MSF in England, which are more reliable and popular. These signals can often be picked up outside the borders of nations, but also must take into account the long-wave transmissions are vulnerable to interference and topography.

For a complete peace of mind, are available NTP server systems doubles the GPS signal receiving and national physics laboratories, but tend to be slightly more expensive than individual systems, although the use of more than one signal times makes them doubly reliable.