What is a stratum 1 device?

A Stratum 1 Time Server is a network appliance that receives precise time from a hardware reference clock to provide a time resource to client computers. Network Time Protocol (NTP) implements a hierarchical system of time references.

Where do Stratum 1 NTP servers get time from?

reference clocks
NTP is used to synchronize computer clocks to UTC. This service is provided on an as is basis and without guarantee. Stratum 1 NTP servers get their time from reference clocks via methods such as GPS, CDMA, or WWV.

What is a stratum in terms of NTP?

When using Network Time Protocol (NTP), a common term is “Strata”. Strata or Stratum are terms used to describe the distance a particular device is from a time source. The further away it is, the less accurate its time sync will be. Strata levels from 0-15 can be used for NTP time synchronisation.

What does stratum mean in NTP?

The NTP Stratum model is a representation of the hierarchy of time servers in an NTP network, where the Stratum level (0-15) indicates the device’s distance to the reference clock. Stratum 0 means a device is directly connected to e.g., a GPS antenna.

What is meant by the stratum level?

Stratum is defined as the distance from an authoritative time source to the network devices. Each level of this hierarchy is assigned a number, starting with zero (0) for the reference clock at the top. Stratum 0 means that a device is directly connected to the atomic clock e.g., a GPS antenna.

Where do NTP servers get their time from?

reference clock
An NTP server receives the time from the reference clock, via the antenna, and provides it to your network. The type of server you choose will depend on a number of factors: Whether you’re using a GPS or radio time source.

Why does NTP use stratum?

The NTP protocol uses strata to indicate the expected accuracy of system clocks. The device that has the most accuracy is the ‘reference’ clock—the clock with which the other devices on the system, such as workstations and servers, synchronize their time.

What kind of clock is a stratum 1?

A Stratum 1 clock can also be considered a Primary Reference Source (PRS). PRS can be a clock system that incorporates control of GPS and/or Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) systems. A Stratum 1 clock may control strata 2, 3E, 3, 4E, or 4 clocks. However, Stratum 1 clock administration, operation, and maintenance can be a costly effort.

How does a stratum 1 time server work?

Network computer appliances that synchronize time with directly connected hardware reference clocks are known as Stratum 1 time servers. By using GNSS timing receivers or radio time code receivers, they synchronize their system time to within a few microseconds of the correct time.

What’s the time between frame slips in Stratum 4?

The time between frame slips can be a short as only 4 seconds. Stratum 4E is a proposed new clock standard that would account for a holdover characteristic that isn’t free running.

When does a device become a stratum 16?

Stratum 1 devices become stratum 16 if they lose contact with their hardware reference clock. Some stratum 1 devices can extend operation by using high-stability oscillators. The oscillators maintain accurate time to provide extended holdover.