Time Synchronisation

Network time servers are essential tools for keeping computer networks synchronised and secure. Lack of synchronisation can have many consequences and can leave a computer network vulnerable to security threats and fraud.

Whilst synchronisation over the Internet is available this is not recommended by Microsoft among others are they can leave a system vulnerable to security threats (being as they are external to the network firewall).

A network time server can receive a time signal from two sources: the GPS network (Global Positioning System) a highly accurate method of receiving UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) and available everywhere on the globe (with a good clear view of the sky).

An alternative to the GPS signal in the UK and northern Europe is the MSF long wave signal transmitted by the British National Physical Laboratory (NPL) from Cumbria in Northern England.

The MSF signal provides and accurate, reliable and secure method of receiving UTC and is available across Britain and many parts of northern Europe. With a dedicated MSF compatible network time server a computer network can be synchronised to within a few milliseconds of UTC.

Richard Hawkesford © 2009