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Precise time-keeping across computer systems is crucial for many reasons, as well as desirable on convenience grounds. Some security mechanisms rely upon clocks being synchronised, while accurate timestamps are important in records like mail headers and access logs, to allow investigation of security incidents, for example. Similarly, if files are updated by a number of computers, then the system clocks need to be kept in step to facilitate change control operations.

The LGfL Network Time Service delivers a stable time reference to organisations via the Network Time Protocol (NTP). The centrally-hosted service acquires information from a number of high-precision, stable time sources in order to calculate a precise time and set its own local clock. The service then, in turn, can be used to provide the exact time to others.

By drawing upon multiple atomic clock standard measurements provided by resources such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) of satellites, and the UK’s MSF radio time signal broadcasting from a transmitter based in Anthorn in Cumbria, the LGfL Network Time Service can guarantee to provide an extremely accurate clock that will be unaffected by an outage of any one synchronisation source.

LGfL Network Time Service

• The LGfL Network Time Service offers a high precision time reference using the industry-standard Network Time Protocol (NTP)

• Clocks across the whole LGfL network can be precisely synchronised; Windows 2000 and later include the Windows Time Service, which can set the system clock automatically according to the LGfL service

• The core service sets itself using external sources calibrated to atomic clock standards, including the MSF radio time signal and GPS satellites

What is NTP?

A service for the London Grid for Learning community provided by:London Grid for Learning in association with Atomwide

Atomwide Ltd2 - 3 Ravensquay Business Centre,

Cray Avenue, Orpington, Kent. BR5 4BQTel: 01689 814700 Fax: 01689 814701

Email: sales@atomwide.com www.atomwide.com

The LGfL Network Time Service uses a dedicated Network Time Server with two independent time sources. The Galleon NTS-6000-DUAL Network Time Server combines a GPS receiver and a radio time signal receiver (MSF, WWVB, or DCF) with an embedded computer. The system is hosted within the core of the LGfL network and is available to every LGfL-connected school and Local Authority.

Configuring the time on local network devices is easy; Microsoft Windows 2000 and later include the Windows Time Service, which will automatically set a computer’s clock according to the LGfL Network Time Service, so schools and LAs simply need to configure a local server to synchronise its clock with the LGfL service. Clients belonging to the server’s domain will then set their clocks automatically during login, while other clients can be configured manually to connect and update their clocks.

The system can also be used with video conferencing endpoints that are connected to the LGfL LVCNet network. In this way, all IT systems within your school or LA can collect the same exact time, which you can be sure is correct.

This service is a complete solution for synchronising clocks across computer networks. Further details on precisely how to configure your systems to take full advantage of the LGfL Network Time Service are available within the user guide and service description.

For further details please contact LGfL on: 020 82 55 55 55 and select option 3.

LGfL Network Time Service

• The LGfL Network Time Service uses a dedicated Network Time Server

• The Network Time Server combines a GPS receiver with an MSF radio time signal receiver to acquire two independent time sources

• Schools and LAs can easily synchronise the clocks of their local servers and, in turn, their clients

• The system can also be used with video conferencing endpoints connected to LGfL’s LVCNet

• Accurate time-keeping assures the value of security logs and transactions

NTP Services for London

Issue No. 1. January 2009