Atomic clock, NTP server, Time reference

Accurate time is essential in a digital society. Whether it's for financial transactions, data center logs, or industrial process synchronization, a reliable time source is required. Atomic clocks and GPS-based NTP servers play a central role here.

Technology and precision

• Atomic clocks are often based on caesium or rubidium, which can measure time with an accuracy of less than a nanosecond per day. This precision is used as a reference in global systems such as GPS and Galileo .
• Satellite synchronization : NTP servers like the TA110 use signals from up to 32 GPS satellites. Each satellite contains an atomic clock, providing a global, redundant time reference. This means that even if individual signals are lost, the time source can be maintained.
• Holdover with TCXO : Should the GPS signal be disrupted, a TCXO (Temperature-Compensated Crystal Oscillator) keeps the system stable in Stratum-1 accuracy for an extended period of time.

Safety and reliability

• NTP authentication (MD5, SHA1, SHA256) ensures that time data cannot be manipulated or compromised – important in an era of increasing focus on cyber security.
• Protection against spoofing and jamming : Modern NTP servers can be alerted if the GPS signal deviates from expected patterns, allowing operations personnel to detect possible attacks quickly.
• Operation in critical environments : NTP servers are used in defense, aviation, marine and telecommunications, where even milliseconds can have consequences for both security and economics.

In short: By combining satellite-based time, atomic clock technology and modern security protocols, DANBIT's NTP servers give you a stable and reliable time reference – indispensable in a world where precision is everything.

What is a Stratum-1 NTP server?

A Stratum-1 NTP server is a time server that obtains its time directly from a precise source such as GPS satellites or an atomic clock, making it the most accurate network time reference, which can then distribute the time to thousands of clients.

Why use satellite-based time synchronization?

Satellites like GPS and Galileo have built-in atomic clocks that broadcast precise time data globally. Using satellite signals ensures redundant, reliable, and worldwide time synchronization – ideal for networks, server rooms, and industry.

How are NTP servers secured against manipulation?

Modern NTP servers support authentication (MD5, SHA1, SHA256) to verify that time data cannot be altered by unauthorized parties. They also monitor GPS signal deviations to detect spoofing or jamming.

Who needs an NTP server?

All organizations that require precise and consistent time, e.g. data centers, telecommunications, banks, defense, transportation and industrial SCADA systems.