DNS, DHCP & IPAM services are reliant on an accurate time source for various reasons:
- High-availability requires that clocks are synchronised
- DHCP failover is dependent on accurate clocks for successful operation
- DNSSEC requires accurate time synchronisation between all participating DNS servers
- DNS TSIG also requires accurate time synchronisation in order to verify TSIG keys
- Accurate time stamps for audit and system event logs
Many organisations will utilise NTP services provided by their ISP or publicly accessible NTP servers via the Internet, but this assumes that Internet connectivity is reliable and that the NTP servers being used are also accurate and reliable.
If there is any doubt about the reliability of the Internet connection or availability of the Internet-based NTP services, an independent time source should be considered so that time signals can be received from another source, such as the atomic clocks aboard GPS satellites or the MSF radio signal broadcast by the National Physical Laboratory.
Calleva Networks has partnered with TimeTools in order to provide a range of NTP appliances which can be fully integrated into any DNS, DHCP & IPAM solution in order to provide accurate time synchronisation.
We have selected TimeTools because they provide a simple cost-effective solution to a complex problem – how to ensure you have an accurate time source. In addition, TimeTools NTP server appliances are designed and manufactured in the UK and come with a 5 year warranty, meaning there are very little support costs incurred. The “SR” series are particularly suited as they are rack mountable and contain no moving parts, hence they can be deployed alongside the DDI appliances. If rack mounting isn’t required, then the “SC” series could be considered.
SR Series Rack Mountable NTP Appliance Product Overview
NTP Appliance SR Series
TimeTools SR Series provides a complete range of Linux based, true Stratum-1, NTP Network Time Servers that represent a real breakthrough in price and performance.
Housed in a rugged, compact, 1U, rack-mountable enclosure, the SR series takes up minimal valuable rack-space.
By utilising a customized Linux kernel and an unmodified version of the latest network time protocol distribution, NTP version 4.2, the SR series offers true NTP / SNTP functionality.
GPS, Radio and Dual Reference Clock Options
Multiple external reference clock combinations can be provided with the SR series; GPS, MSF radio, DCF-77 radio and dual GPS / radio reference capabilities. The SR series provides true flexibility.
The SR series is also provided with a cutting-edge high-sensitivity GPS receiver that can often operate with an indoor located GPS antenna. Additionally, the new receivers can operate from a single satellite-in-view making operation from a window often possible. These features potentially provide a great saving on installation costs when compared to traditional roof-mounted GPS antennas. Of course, our GPS antennas are completely weatherproof and can be roof-mounted outdoors.
High Stability Extended Holdover Option
High-stability GPS/LF disciplined Temperature Controlled Crystal Oscillator (TCXO) options are available to maintain accurate time for extended periods in the event of GPS / radio reference clock signal loss.
Secure Configuration and Maintenance
A secure (HTTPS), easy to use, password-protected user interface is provided for system configuration and management. FTP/SCP can be utilised to download NTP statistics and upload firmware upgrades, available from TimeTools free of charge.
5-Year Warranty
The SR Series NTP Server is a low-power convection cooled device with no moving parts, aiding long-term reliability. Our confidence in the reliability of the device is reflected in the provision of an industry leading 5-year warranty.
SR7110 – Entry Level, Competitive Price
The SR7110 is an entry-level Linux based true NTP time server at a highly competitive price. It can utilise GPS or LF radio time references to provide stratum-1 NTP functionality, ideal for synchronising digital clocks, DVR’s and smaller networks.
SR9210 – Feature Rich, Value
The mid-range SR9210 provides a high specification NTP network time reference. It incorporates a high-throughput Ethernet network interface, combined with the ability to accept GPS, LF radio or dual GPS / LF radio external time references. The SR9210 is an ideal time reference where a large number of network time clients are to be synchronised accurately and reliably.
SR9750 – High Stability, Extended Holdover
The SR9750 provides all the features of the SR9210 with the additional benefit of a high-stability disciplined TCXO oscillator for extended holdover in the event of primary reference loss. Ideal where a highly reliable source of time is required.
SR9860D – Dual LAN, High Accuracy
The top-of-range SR9860D incorporates dual independent LAN capability for synchronising multiple networks. It also provides enhanced precision along with a GPS/LF disciplined TCXO for extended holdover. Ideal for reliably synchronising multiple, large, networks with a high degree of accuracy.
SC Series Compact NTP Appliance Product Overview
NTP Appliance SC Series
TimeTools new SC Series NTP servers are a range of Linux based true Stratum 1 NTP Network Time Servers that provide a real breakthrough in price and performance.
Housed in a rugged, yet compact, aluminium desktop enclosure the SC series takes up minimal valuable space.
By utilising a customized Linux kernel and an unmodified version of the latest network time protocol distribution, NTP version 4.2, the SR/SC series offers true NTP/SNTP functionality.
The SR/SC series is now provided with a cutting-edge high-sensitivity GPS receiver that can often operate with an indoor located GPS antenna. Additionally, the new receivers can operate from a single satellite-in-view making operation from a window often possible. These features potentially provide a great saving on installation costs when compared to traditional roof-mounted GPS antennas. Of course, our GPS antennas are completely weather-proof and can still be roof-mounted, if required.
MULTIPLE REFERENCE CLOCK OPTIONS
Multiple optional external reference clock combinations can be provided with the SR and SC series; GPS, MSF radio, DCF-77 radio and dual GPS / radio reference capabilities. They provide true flexibility along with high stability and performance.
High-stability disciplined TCXO oscillator options are available to maintain accurate time for extended periods in the event of GPS / radio reference clock signal loss.
EASY TO CONFIGURE AND MAINTAIN
An easy to use password-protected web interface is provided for system configuration and management. FTP can be utilised to download NTP statistics and upload firmware upgrades, provided by TimeTools free of charge.
INDUSTRY LEADING 5-YEAR WARRANTY
The SC Series NTP Servers are low-power, convection cooled, devices with no moving parts, aiding long-term reliability. Our confidence in the reliability of the SC range of devices is reflected in the provision of an industry leading 5-year warranty.
MODELS
SC7105 – LF / GPS REFERENCED
The SC7105 is an entry-level Linux based true NTP time server at a highly competitive price. They can utilise GPS or LF radio time references to provide stratum 1 NTP functionality, ideal for synchronising digital wall clocks and smaller networks.
SC9205 – LF / GPS / DUAL REFERENCED
The mid-range SC9205 model provides a high specification NTP network time reference. It incorporates a high-throughput Ethernet network interface, combined with the ability to accept GPS, LF radio or dual reference GPS / LF radio external time references. The SC9205 are ideal time reference where a large number of network time clients are to be synchronised accurately and reliably.
SC9705 – LF / GPS / DUAL REFERENCED WITH TCXO
The top-of-range SC9705 has all of the advanced features of the SC9205 but also incorporates a high-stability GPS disciplined Temperature Controlled Crystal Oscillator (TCXO). The high precision TCXO backup reference clock provides extended holdover periods in the event of primary reference signal loss.