Remember Me
forgot your password?

NTP GPS Server - Using Satellite Time Signals

The NTP GPS server is a dedicated device that uses the time signal from the GPS (Global Positioning System) network. GPS is now a common tool for motorists with satellite navigation devices fitted to most new cars. But GPS is far more than just an aid for positioning, at the very heart of the GPS network is the atomic clocks that are inside each GPS satellite.

The GPS system works by transmitting the time from these clocks along with the position and velocity of the satellite. A satellite navigation receiver will work out when it receives this time how long it took to arrive and therefore how far the signal travelled. Using three or more of these signals the satellite navigation device can work out exactly where it is.

GPS can only do this because of the atomic clocks that it uses to transmit the time signals. These time signals travel, like all radio signals, at the speed of light so an inaccuracy of just 1 millisecond (1/1000 of a second) could result in the satellite navigation being nearly 300 kilometres out.

Because these clocks have to be so accurate, they make an ideal source of time for a NTP time server. NTP (Network Time Protocol) is the software that distributes the time from the time server to the network. GPS time and UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) the civil timescale is not quite the same thing but are base don the same timescale so NTP has no trouble converting it. Using a dedicated NTP GPS server a network can be realistically synchronised to within a few milliseconds of UTC

The GPS clock is another term often given to a GPS time server. The GPS network consists of 21 active satellites (and a few spare) 10,000 miles in orbit above the Earth and each satellite circles the Earth twice a day. Designed for satellite navigation, A GPS receiver needs at least three satellites to maintain a position. However, in the case of a GPS clock just one satellite is required making it far easier to obtain a reliable signal.

Each satellite continuously transmits its own position and a time code. The time code is generated by an onboard atomic clock and is highly accurate, it has to be as this information is used by the GPS receiver to triangulate a position and if it was just half a second out the Sat Nav. unit would be inaccurate by thousands of miles.

Richard n Williams

Richard N Williams is a technical author and specialist in atomic clocks, telecommunications, NTP and network time synchronisation helping to develop dedicated NTP clocks. Please visit us for more information about a Galleon ntp server or other ntp server solutions.

Rate this Article: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)
Print Email Re-Publish

Add new Comment



Captcha
0
1. Server Services (07:49, 31.03.2009)
Very good information. Thanks

I came to know about how NTP GPS server works?

  • Latest Networks Articles
  • More from Richard n Williams

Time, Money & Accuracy

By: Richard n Williams | 11/11/2009
We live in a fast paced world where time matters. In some industries even a second can make all the difference. Millions of dollars are exchanged hands in the stock exchange each second and share prices can rise or plummet.

What to Look For in a Colocation Data Center in Palm Beach County, Miami-Dade County and Broward County

By: Business Local Listings | 11/11/2009
First of all, make sure the colocation data center offers full cloud computing services, providing various business applications that are accessed online while software and data are securely stored in remote virtual servers. Among its services should be the provision of dedicated virtual servers, managed dedicated colocation hosting, private networks, internet network security, data storage and data backup, broadband internet access, and VoIP.

VDI vs. SBC, like Gas Stove vs. Microwave?

By: Victor Thu | 10/11/2009
VDI vs. SBC, which is better for you and your business? What are the drawbacks, benefits?

Wireless Network VLANS - How to Implement Wireless VLANS

By: Shaun Hummel | 10/11/2009
The wireless access points operate as bridges with no routing defined anywhere on the wireless network segment. All VLANs are defined on the wired switches and mapped with specific SSIDs at each access point. The maximum number of VLANs and SSIDs per access point that can be mapped is 16. The wireless client attaches or associates with a specific SSID which in turn will map client with membership in a specific VLAN.

Switch Selection Guide - How to Select Network Switches

By: Shaun Hummel | 10/11/2009
The network switch is a common component with most network infrastructure and as such selection of a new switch or upgrading is a key part of most network design projects. Wireless designs will have switches interfacing with access points. That will in some cases have an affect on the switch such as increased utilization, assigned switch ports, access lists, trunking, power over Ethernet wattage draw or spanning tree protocol.

Troubleshooting Wi-Fi Wireless Network Problems - 4 Diagnostic Strategies Toward Optimal Performance

By: steve | 09/11/2009
Until recently there have been two primary techniques employed to troubleshoot Wi-Fi 802.11 wireless networks -- network discovery and RF spectrum analysis. Network discovery is also commonly referred to as network site survey or Wi-Fi scanning. Lately, two new WiFi diagnostic tools have been introduced that broaden the range of troubleshooting techniques -- 'WiFi Channel Analysis' and 'Connection Analysis'. This article briefly describes 4 strategies for troubleshooting Wi-Fi networks.

Storage Best Practices for High Def VDI

By: Victor Thu | 09/11/2009
This article with FAQ will help you to decide what VDI software is best for your company.

Understanding 192.168.1.1

By: David Ryan | 09/11/2009
192.168.1.1 is IP address utilized by many router manufacturers as a default address for the router.

Time, Money & Accuracy

By: Richard n Williams | 11/11/2009 | Networks
We live in a fast paced world where time matters. In some industries even a second can make all the difference. Millions of dollars are exchanged hands in the stock exchange each second and share prices can rise or plummet.

Time Synchronization on Windows 7

By: Richard n Williams | 11/11/2009 | Operating Systems
Windows 7, the latest operating system from Microsoft is also their first operating system that automatically synchronizes the PC clock to an internet source of UTC time (Coordinated Universal Time). From the moment a Windows 7 computer is switched on and is connected to the Internet it will request time signals from the Microsoft time service - time.windows.com.

Choosing a Time Source for UTC Synchronization

By: Richard n Williams | 11/11/2009 | Information Technology
Ensuring a computer network is time synchronized is vital in modern computer networks. Synchronization, not just between different machines on a network, but also each computer network that communicates with other networks needs to be synchronized with them too.

Configuring a Dedicated NTP Time Server on Windows 7

By: Richard n Williams | 11/11/2009 | Operating Systems
Windows 7 is the very latest operating system from Microsoft. Replacing the rather disappointing Windows Vista, Windows 7 promises to correct the flaws that made its predecessor so unpopular.

Industrial Secrets – Using Printers in Fridges and Chillers

By: Richard n Williams | 11/11/2009 | Hardware
The food distribution industry has gone through some dramatic changes in recent years. Many of the leading retailers and supermarkets now rely on regional distribution hubs that deliver to multiple areas rather than the satellite warehouses of former years.

The Industrial Computer Enclosure – Information Technology in any Location

By: Richard n Williams | 11/11/2009 | Hardware
There is no need for me to tell you the advantages the computer has on business. Despite the Internet still being a teenager and networked systems having only been around for a couple of decades, vey few of us could go back to working without them. And why would you? Computers save time, money and can cut down on waste which makes the vital tools for most businesses.

LCD Enclosures and Outdoor Digital Signage Systems

By: Richard n Williams | 11/11/2009 | Advertising
Outdoor digital signage, the use of LCDs and plasma TV’s outside for purposes of advertising and information, is a growing industry. More and more businesses are realising the potential that digital signage can offer, particularly in outdoor locations where there is a potentially huge audience.

How to Create the Perfect Environment for Protecting Equipment in Industrial Areas

By: Richard n Williams | 11/11/2009 | Computers
Keeping equipment such as computers, printers, touch screens and other monitors such as LCD TVs protected in industrial locations is vital to ensuring the continued operation of such equipment.

Submit Your Articles Free: Signup
Article Categories




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.06, 1, w1)