Indian Standard Time Synchronization Via NTP Server Over Different Networks

Abstract

AbstractIn this paper, Indian Standard Time (IST) Dissemination Technique and synchronization method over different network architecture and their respective delay measurements have been presented. Presently, one of the robust terrestrial time dissemination method over the network is via Network Time Protocol (NTP). CSIR—NPL as the time keeper of India, is disseminating IST in public domain through NTP servers which can be accessed by the users with domain names “time.nplindia.in” and “time.nplindia.org”. These NTP servers have been synchronized with primary atomic time scale through 1pps external input and attain stratum1 status in network hierarchy for IST dissemination services. Authentic delay measurement is required for synchronization of another NTP server over the network for reliable time dissemination service to the users. The work presented in this paper is toward the authentic IST dissemination measurements via the NTP servers. In this experiment, a NTP server has been synchronized with the stratum-1 server and time delay has been measured for a period of 36,000 s over different network architecture viz. direct link network, hybrid link network and wide area network. Since CSIR—NPL is working toward the nationwide legalization of IST, this experimental analysis will strengthen the confidence in building authentic and reliable IST dissemination infrastructure via NTP servers in the nation.KeywordsIndian standard timeTime dissemination techniquesNetwork time protocolNTP serverStratum1