5 Elements, 1 Objective

The value of networks is that everything, virtually speaking, can happen in the same place. There is only one incontrovertible physical reference point, which is time. Where things happen is less important than when they happen. Universal time (UTC) is the reference that establishes the sequence of events in this shared space—either prospectively to enable cause and effect—or retrospectively to prove cause and effect. In either case, users and applications need to assume that their version of “right now” agrees with everyone else’s. That’s a simple objective—and it should be equally simple to achieve.

Timekeeping is not something companies—in particular, network administrators in those companies—want to spend a lot of time thinking about. If they start with a simple timekeeping infrastructure—based on the five
elements presented here—they will not have to. And neither will their users.

Microsemi’s next generation of GPS NTP/PTP network time synchronization products with atomic clock accuracy ensure that time is synchronized and accurate throughout your IT enterprise network. Microsemi® NTP time servers protect network log file accuracy, security, billing systems, electronic transactions, database integrity, VoIP, and many other essential applications. The GPS NTP Network Appliances make it easy to manage and monitor time synchronization through workstations, servers and routers, thus assuring the highest integrity throughout the network.

Microsemi provides synchronization services that assist customers with the planning, deployment and maintenance of synchronization infrastructure. Services are designed to lower costs, streamline processes, ensure quality, and deliver the highest level of performance from your synchronization network. Visit Timing & Synchronization Systems and learn how we can help provide you with comprehensive solutions across a wide range of applications.

Read the previous posts in this series:

Part 1: 5 Essential Elements of Network Time Synchronization

Part 2: The Importance of Network Time Synchronization

Part 3: 5 Essential Elements of Network Time Synchronization – Element 1

Part 4: 5 Essential Elements of Network Time Synchronization – Element 2

Part 5: The Five Elements – Part 4: Robust Network Time Management

Part 6: The Five Elements – Part 4: Robust Network Time Management

Part 7: Element 5: A Secure, Verifiable Audit Trail

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Tags: Coordinated Universal Time, Network Operations, Synchronization, Timesharing, Timing, UTC