Symmetricom (News - Alert), Inc. reportedly has announced its latest network time displays – maintenance-free NTP reference clocks that keep accurate time.

 

Eliminating the need for dedicated time distribution cables, the clocks synchronize their time over the network to a network time server, Symmetricom officials say.

 

Configuration and control of the displays over the network from a single PC is reportedly easy and complete with automatic network address configuration via dynamic host configuration protocol. That feature is combined with the display discovery and remote management software, company officials say. A user doesn’t need to see the display to change the settings and verify the correct time and formats, and a non-volatile memory saves the display configuration to survive any power fail situation.

 

Using existing Ethernet network infrastructure and the standard network time protocol to keep accurate time, the clocks are now available in digital or analog displays, according to the company.

 

The new time displays include features such as: DHCP for automatic network configuration saves time; correct time is maintained via automatic synchronization to NTP servers over the network; easy, cost saving installation using existing Ethernet network and cabling to connect to time servers instead of dedicated cabling to transfer time signals; and time zone and daylight saving time support eliminates manual time adjustments.

 

The displays also include: automatic network discovery and remote management via the network for easy and complete configuration and control; and power-over-Ethernet reduces cables and makes for fast installations.

 

In places such as network equipment racks, control rooms, manufacturing facilities and large open spaces where the precise and accurate digital time needs to be visible, the digital displays show up well. Analog displays are well-suited for formal or smaller spaces including class rooms and meeting rooms.

 

“Time over the network saves both time and money since it is not necessary to pull dedicated timing cables throughout a facility to transfer the time to the displays,” said Paul Skoog, product marketing manager at Symmetricom. “All displays are available with either standard AC power and Ethernet connections or a combined Power-over-Ethernet connection which allows for fewer cables and easier, faster installation.”