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1 Introduction
The BRG Network Time Server is a simple to use GPS based time server that will supply
accurate Stratum 1 time for all computers and time keeping devices on the network. The BRG
time server incorporates the proven TimeMachines NTP engine to provide accurate and reliable
time. By placing a time server on the local network, NTP time packets are provided, without
requiring systems to go to the Internet to obtain time synchronization. The system uses an active
GPS antenna to maintain the current time as broadcast by United States GPS satellites. With this
device installed on your local network, there is no longer the worry that if the Internet connection
goes down, time synchronization is lost across the network.
The rack mount device can be placed anywhere within the network layout. The built in high
sensitivity GPS receiver is able to lock on to multiple satellites, in some cases, from within many
buildings or from a window location. The dome outdoor antenna includes 25 feet of antenna
cable, plus another 100 foot extension cable for a total length of 125 feet. Additional cable may
be added as needed.
Setup and use of this time server is straightforward. Simply connect both the included power
supply and the GPS antenna to the base unit and then connect the base unit to the local network.
Go to a computer on the network and browse to the device at its default address to enter the
software setup within the control box. Set parameters to match your network and the system will
start to send out time packets to any device on the system that asks for an update from it.
Multiple servers may be setup to provide redundancy and more capacity.
When paired with our digital Power over Ethernet (PoE) clocks, synchronized time is assured no
matter the state of your network, or the state of the internet time server the clocks are pointed to.
Accuracy is also improved because the network delay of the internet is highly variable, while the
local LAN connection is likely sub-millisecond delay.
BRG NTP time servers are suited to any application where coordination of events at multiple
locations is required. Without coordinated network time, searching for problems across multiple
system logs becomes much more difficult. Education, industrial facilities, military installations,
public safety command rooms, government, broadcasting, and hospitals are all candidates
for synchronized time systems.
2 Installation
2.1 Location
To receive GPS signals, the Time Server's antenna must be located in a location where it can
“see” the sky. Both indoor and outdoor antennas are included. The GPS module itself is highly
sensitive and able to “see” the GPS satellite signals from within many structures. Multi-Story or
metal structures may block the GPS signals such that the antenna must be located elsewhere. In
these cases, the GPS antenna may be located in a window. The Time Server unit can be located
anywhere on the network. All that is required is power and a wired network connection. In the
worst case, an outdoor antenna may be required.
