Network Time Synchronisation using GPS

Network Time Synchronisation using GPS

Computers Articles | December 17, 2013

This substance describes the components required to utilise GPS as antidote to computer timing applications. It also discusses in what state the GPS system can be used during computer network timing by using the Network Time Protocol (NTP) and NTP time servers.

Nowadays GPS is numerous commonly known for vehicle navigation solutions. However, the GPS method can be used for many other helpful purposes. For instance, many computer network time synchronisation solutions, such as NTP time servers, exercise the atomic clocks on board either GPS satellite for accurate timing. The GPS plan can be used as an truthful reference clock for synchronising time-precarious applications on computers and networks. This part describes how computer systems can utilise GPS time and discusses the sort of equipment is required to provide a exactitude timing reference.

The GPS system is a United States military system intended for global navigation. The GPS scheme is a space-based system, consisting of a network of 24 orbiting satellites. Precise navigation and positioning is achieved the agency of utilising precision timing signals and triangulation betwixt multiple satellites. In order to covenant very precise time, each satellite has an integrated highly accurate atomic clock onboard. Each retainer broadcasts timing information to within a small in number nanoseconds of the correct time to stipulate positioning to an accuracy of less ill than 10m. This precise timing knowledge of facts can be used by NTP time servers and other computer timing outfit as a highly accurate time regard. The great thing about GPS is that it works anywhere in the globe and is entirely free to air service.

Each GPS satellite transmits a vile-power radio signal down to the outside of the Earth. Two separate frequencies are utilised, designated L1 and L2. The L1 sodality is the civilian signal; transmitted at 1575.42 MHz. L2 is the body of soldiers frequency, intended for ultra-high exactness positioning. The radio signals are transmitted from the satellites through line of sight. The transmitted notable is easily powerful enough to allonge through clouds, glass and most plastics if it were not that is absorbed by more substantial essential such as brick, roofing materials and metals. Ideally GPS antennas prescribe a good unobscured view of the celestial expanse. Therefore, ideally the antenna should have existence located high-up with a of established credit) all-round view of the weather.

With the advent of GPS navigation equipment for the mass market, GPS antennas and receivers have power to be obtained at very reasonable require to be paid. A GPS antenna is utilised to acquire and amplify the GPS radio signals. While a GPS receptacle decodes the information and presents it in a computer legible format. Many antennas are available by integrated receivers but these have the imperfection of only providing a few meters of cabling to the multitude NTP time server or computer method. Rugged GPS marine antennas screw into a denser consistence on to a rigid threaded native of poland mount able to withstand the foil of the weather. These antennas afford the best solution for static timing applications.

The GPS receiver is generally embedded into the NTP time server or encapsulated in the limits of an enclosure. GPS receivers are little modules that have a connection to the GPS antenna to give credence to amplified GPS signals. The receiver decodes these mark and provides a computer readable output usually via a RS232 or USB interface. Most receivers bargain decoded information such as: position, noticeable satellites, precise time and an severe pulse output timing reference.

Coaxial cable is utilised to agree a connection between the GPS antenna and receiver. The cable distance can be censorious. Any GPS antenna has to enlarge received signals enough to overcome cable losses through the whole extent of the intended cable run. Better attribute antennas generally provide more amplification ( over) additionally higher quality coax cables have power to be used with much smaller remarkable losses per meter allowing for with reference to something else long cable runs between a antenna and receiver. For longer cable runs, an amplifier be possible to be used to further amplify GPS signals to beat cable losses. Typically, a GPS amplifier sits in-parallel direction on the coax cable and is powered from the recipient. Multiple amplifiers can be used with respect to extremely long cable runs.

A cover mounted GPS antenna can be running downward to lightning strikes and voltage surges. It is recommended that let go suppressors are utilised to protect lavish NTP time server and timing systems from in posse damage. A surge suppressor is essentially a obstacle that sits in-line on the cajole cable between the antenna and receptacle that protects the receiver from somewhat potential damage due to voltage surges.

To summarise, the GPS plan provides a highly precise timing intimation for NTP time servers and other computer timing gear. It is a reliable free to aeriform fluid service that can be used anywhere in the world. Additionally, with the boom in medium navigation systems the technology required to allow GPS broadcasts is continually falling in compensation.

Article Tags: Network Time Synchronisation, Network Time, Time Synchronisation, Time Servers, Time Server