What Are PTP, NTP, and BITS Clocks?
PTP and NTP BITS clocks have run timing around the globe for decades now. There are two main types of network timing protocols that use BITS clocks: Network Time Protocol (NTP) and Precision Time Protocol (PTP). NTP provides millisecond accuracy. PTP provides sub-microsecond accuracy.
BITS (Building Integrated Timing Supply) clocks for PTP and NTP Network Timing are commonly used to provide accurate and reliable timing signals for network synchronization. They are particularly important in networks that require precise timing, such as those used for telecommunications and financial trading.
NTP is a widely used protocol that allows computers on a network to synchronize their clocks with a central time server. BITS clocks can be used as a time source for NTP servers, providing a highly accurate and stable time reference for the network.
PTP, on the other hand, is a newer protocol that is designed to provide even more precise timing for networks that require sub-microsecond accuracy. BITS clocks can also be used as a time source for PTP networks, either as a server clock or as a boundary clock that distributes time signals to other devices on the network.
In summary, PTP and NTP BITS clocks are an essential component of network timing systems, providing accurate and reliable timing signals for NTP and PTP protocols. They play a critical role in ensuring the synchronization and performance of high-speed networks that rely on precise timing.
Legacy BITS Clocks – Rob Jodrie Explains 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Generation BITS Clock Technology
Rob Jodrie is Syncworks Technical Director. With a lifetime of service in telecoms across the USA, Rob’s been in more NOC’s than most people. His presentation from our What’s New, What’s Next webinar is found below. In it, Rob illustrates how BITS clocks came into the networks and how the technology advanced to where we are today: 3rd Generation BITS. Want more videos, our YouTube channel has more from Rob Jodrie and Microchip.
PTP and NTP Takeover
Since this post was originally written, the industry is migrating towards the Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) Turndown stage. Aging and legacy equipment that has served the industry well now must make room for the security and resiliency that today’s PTP and NTP clocks ensure. While technical teams grapple with implementation details, business leaders must understand the financial implications, operational impacts, and strategic opportunities this transition presents.
Network engineering teams face increasingly complex challenges in maintaining service continuity while transitioning to IP-based solutions. Syncworks has compiled a comprehensive TDM guide and checklist that addresses the essential requirements and protocols for successful migration, based on data from recent carrier implementations.
About Us Syncworks
For over twenty years, Syncworks has been evaluating, testing, designing, and implementing timing networks for telecom, cable, utility, and enterprise customers in the US and the Caribbean. We are a well-known and trusted partner and critical supplier to major network operators. As a diamond partner to Microchip and a skilled integrator of other vendor products, we can provide options for the most performant, resilient, and economical timing network possible. We specialize in ensuring that critical networks can survive disruptions like GPS jamming and spoofing. And we provide expert support, sparing, and repairs for everything we install leveraging the largest inventory of related products and components in the industry.
Syncworks is a value-added stocking reseller of network sync and timing equipment for critical infrastructure companies. SyncCare and Field Services ensure your network equipment is flawlessly executed and supported.
Our 10,000 sq. ft. warehouse stocks and ships critical equipment and replacements for networks all across the USA and the Caribbean. With expertise from GPS signal to our new output expansion panels, we an experience and trusted guide. Our tight-knit crew of engineers and field services technicians work together to efficiently and effectively bring your network to Stratum 1 standards.
Syncworks delivers the highest level of expertise to every project and offers a complete menu of network synchronization products and services. Our flagship product, the TimeProvider® 4100, is a gateway clock that accepts multiple inputs from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Synchronous Ethernet (SynE), and 1588 PTP Grandmaster Clock and E1/T1 digital transmission links.
As a Microchip Diamond Partner, we maintain the largest and most diversified stocking supply of Microchip network sync & timing products to meet our customers’ every need when it comes to sync and timing technology.
For more information, contact sales@syncworks.com or call (904) 280-1234