The TimeTools TA110 Compact GPS NTP Server is a fast, security-hardened, GPS-referenced Stratum-1 Network Time Protocol server designed to provide a precise and traceable time reference for large computer networks.

With network-optimized Gigabit Ethernet, a 32-channel GPS timing receiver, high-stability TCXO holdover and secure NTP authentication, the TA110 is suitable for synchronizing NTP and SNTP compatible clients across IT, security, automation and clock system networks.

Key Features

• Security-hardened Stratum-1 NTPv4 server: GPS-referenced network time server for accurate time synchronization.
• Fast NTP performance: processes up to 10,000 NTP polls per second, equivalent to 600,000 polls per minute.
• High client capacity: supports more than 10 million clients at the default NTP polling frequency.
• 32-channel GPS receiver: provides reliable reception of GPS satellite signals.
• NTP accuracy: better than 10 microseconds UTC when GPS locked.
• TCXO holdover: high-stability temperature-compensated crystal oscillator helps maintain Stratum-1 operation during loss of GPS lock.
• Gigabit Ethernet: 10/100/1000 Mbit auto-sensing, Auto-MDIX RJ45 network interface.
• Secure authentication: supports MD5, SHA1 and SHA256 NTP authentication.
• IPv4 and IPv6: suitable for modern and mixed network infrastructures.
• Low power consumption: less than 5W.
• Compact aluminium enclosure: practical for control rooms, server rooms and distributed installations.
• Designed and manufactured in the UK.

Applications

TA110 is designed for organisations that require an internal, traceable and reliable source of time inside the firewall. It helps keep event logs, video records, access control data and automation events aligned to a consistent time reference.

• Microsoft Windows and Linux server synchronization
• Workstations and network infrastructure
• Network timing, measurement and synchronization applications
• Automation systems, SCADA, network monitoring and control systems
• CCTV, DVR, NVR and Video Management Systems
• Access Control Systems
• Master clock reference for NTP synchronized clock systems
• Time-critical processes requiring a traceable time source inside the firewall

NTP Timing Performance

The TA110 is a Linux-based true Stratum-1 NTP time server. It can process up to 10,000 NTP polls per second without affecting timing performance. This enables accurate synchronization of a very large number of network clients from a single internal time source.

• Maximum NTP polling frequency: 10,000 polls per second
• Polling capacity: 600,000 polls per minute
• Maximum clients at default NTP polling frequency: 10,000,000
• NTP synchronization accuracy: <10 microseconds UTC when GPS locked
• NTP v2, NTP v3, NTP v4, SNTP v3 and SNTP v4 support
• NTP peering, unicast and broadcast operation
• Peering to multiple external and internet-based NTP servers for improved redundancy

GPS Timing Receiver and Holdover

The integrated 32-channel GPS timing receiver receives GPS L1 C/A satellite signals and provides a highly accurate timing reference. When GPS locked, the timing receiver synchronizes to 30 nanoseconds RMS.

The high-stability TCXO oscillator provides extended Stratum-1 operation in the event of temporary GPS signal loss. Typical holdover is ±0.5 ppm at 25°C, approximately ±43 milliseconds over 24 hours.

• 32-channel GPS receiver
• GPS L1 C/A frequency band
• GPS accuracy: 30 ns RMS, 99% 60 ns when GPS locked
• High sensitivity GPS operation
• Advanced spoofing and jamming detection
• Excellent RF interference mitigation
• Update rate: 1 Hz
• Typical tracking sensitivity: -166 dBm
• Cold start time to first fix: <29 seconds
• Typical time to re-acquisition: <2 seconds
• Fully automatic leap second warning and insertion

Network, Management and Security

TA110 supports practical network management and monitoring features for professional IT and infrastructure environments. The device can be configured via a powerful web interface and also provides a command line interface for advanced users.

• 10/100/1000 Mbit Base-T RJ45 Ethernet
• Auto-sensing Ethernet and Auto-MDIX support
• IPv4 and IPv6 Internet Protocol
• HTTP, HTTPS, SSH, SCP, SFTP and FTP
• SNMP v1, v2c and v3
• DHCP and DHCPv6
• NTP MD5, SHA1 and SHA256 authentication
• USB client port for convenient firmware updates

Technical Specification

TW3040 GPS Antenna Specification

The TA110-P00 package includes a high-gain GPS timing antenna, GPS antenna mount and 20m low-loss antenna cable. For outdoor antenna installations, surge protection should be considered according to the site conditions.

Ordering Information

TA110-P00 is supplied as a complete TimeTools TA110 GPS NTP Server Appliance kit.

• TimeTools TA110 GPS NTP Server Appliance
• High-Gain GPS Timing Antenna
• GPS Antenna Mount
• 20m Low-Loss Antenna Cable
• AC-DC 5V Universal Power Adapter for UK, EU, US and AU
• Quick Start Guide
• Manufactured in the UK
• Commodity Code: 84719000

Options and Extras

• CN-UB-280DC-SB: Phoenix Contact GPS Surge Suppressor, essential for outdoor located antennas.
• TCX-030S: Pre-terminated 30m low-loss GPS antenna cable, replaces the standard 20m cable.
• TCX-050S: Pre-terminated 50m low-loss GPS antenna cable, replaces the standard 20m cable.
• Customised antenna cables are available on request for specific installation requirements.

Installation Notes

For best timing performance, the GPS antenna should be installed where it has a clear view of the sky. Cable routing, grounding, surge protection and the risk of lightning-induced transients should be evaluated for each project, especially in outdoor antenna installations.

Once installed inside the network, TA110 can provide a trusted internal time reference even when internet-based time sources are unavailable. This is especially useful for security logs, camera records, access control events, automation data and synchronized clock systems.

Documents

TimeTools TA110 Datasheet (PDF)