The Tech Focus

This article explores Atomic Clock Technology in computer time synchronization

Atomic clocks are the most accurate timekeeping devices developed by man. Modern atomic clocks are so accurate that even in 100 million years less than a second of time would be lost.

This accuracy makes them ideal references for a NTP server (Network Time Protocol). NTP is a protocol widely used to synchronize computer networks across the Internet of local Area Network (LANs).

This article explains how to synchronise a computer network using NTP to an atomic clock source.

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This article explores the history and development of the atomic clock.

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This article explains how to install a dedicated rack-mounted NTP GPS server that will synchronise a network to UTC time.

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The world
is becoming an ever smaller place. Modern technology means that it is just as
easy to make a purchase from the other side of the world as it is buy something
from our local high street.

Everything
from hotels and airline tickets to jewellery and clothes can now be bought from
the other side of the world with just a click of mouse.

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Using Xp as a dedicated time server

Copyright (c) 2008 Richard Williams

Time synchronisation in modern computer networks is essential. It not only provides the only frame of reference between all devices, it is critical in everything from securing, planning and debugging a network to providing a time stamp for applications such as data acquisition or email.

Microsoft Windows XP has a time synchronisation utility built into the operating system called Windows Time (w32time.exe) which can be configured to operate as a network time server. It can be configured to both synchronise a network using the internal clock or an external time source.

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This article describes the components required to utilise GPS for computer timing applications. It also discusses how the GPS system can be used for computer network timing by using the Network Time Protocol (NTP) and NTP time servers.

Nowadays GPS is most commonly known for vehicle navigation solutions. However, the GPS system can be used for many other useful purposes. For instance, many computer network time synchronisation solutions, such as NTP time servers, use the atomic clocks on board each GPS satellite for accurate timing. The GPS system can be used as an accurate reference clock for synchronising time-critical applications on computers and networks. This article describes how computer systems can utilise GPS time and discusses what equipment is required to provide a precision timing reference.

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