Datum Introduces Network Time Server

By
iApplianceWeb
(02/18/02, 03:58:14 PM EDT)

Datum Trusted Time Division introduced Trusted Time SyncServerS100, the first commercial secure Network Time Server. SyncServer meets the need for precise, secure and automated setting of time on IT systems, and is capable of keeping its internal clock accurate within 1/10th of a second per year. It operates as a rack-mounted, stand-alone network device providing precise UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) without using the Internet and opening security vulnerabilities. SyncServer can acquire UTC time either from the GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites or Dial-up Time Services (NIST, USNO) and is the first to utilize new security features in version 4 of Network Time Protocol (NTP), the industry standard time distribution protocol.

SyncServer offers functionality similar to a Datum TymServe NTP time server, but adds a higher level of security, web based management, and Master/Slave support. SyncServer implements the security components of NTP Version 4, which minimizes the ability of hackers to manipulate time packets and use NTP to change time on a system. Unlike previous versions, NTPv4 implements asymmetric encryption - the same technique used to secure web sites to protect credit card numbers and other sensitive information from unintended interception. Security enhancements include server authentication of NTP devices, secure NTP packets, and acknowledgement of Stratum1 time source.

Web based configuration and management provide administrators with a straightforward management tool that makes viewing status or making operational changes easy. Administrators can set up and configure all SyncServers from any point on their Intranet using a standard browser. SyncServer S100 also supports SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) for easy integration into an existing administrative management system. Support of Master/Slave configuration means only a single GPS antenna or dial-up connection is required to acquire UTC time and distribute to other SyncServers within a network. This simplifies deployment of multiple units and simplifies fault tolerant configurations. A network of SyncServers configured in this way can also help reduce congestion within an IT network. Congestion can occur if all network devices attempt to synchronize with a single time server but deploying multiple time servers across the LAN or WAN balances the network traffic, reducing bottlenecks.