The TimeTools TA210 Fast, Compact, GPS NTP Time Server is a fast, security-hardened, GPS-referenced Stratum-1 Network Time Protocol server supplied in a compact 1U half-rack aluminium enclosure.

Designed for networks of almost any size, the TA210 provides a precise and traceable time reference for NTP and SNTP compatible clients. With a network-optimized 64-bit processor, Gigabit Ethernet, a 72-channel GPS timing receiver and high-stability TCXO holdover, it is suitable for demanding IT, security, automation and clock system applications.

Key Features

• Security-hardened Stratum-1 NTPv4 server: GPS-referenced network time server for accurate time synchronization.
• Fast NTP performance: processes more than 20,000 NTP polls per second, equivalent to 1.2 million polls per minute.
• High client capacity: supports more than 20 million clients at the default NTP polling frequency.
• 72-channel GPS receiver: provides reliable reception of GPS satellite signals.
• NTP accuracy: better than 2 microseconds UTC when GPS locked.
• TCXO holdover: high-stability temperature-compensated crystal oscillator supports extended Stratum-1 operation during loss of GPS signal 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, legacy and mixed network infrastructures.
• 1U half-rack aluminium enclosure: compact professional housing for server rooms, control rooms and rack-based installations.
• Low power consumption: less than 10W.
• 3-year warranty: with free firmware updates and lifetime support.
• Designed and manufactured in the UK.

Applications

The TA210 is intended for organisations that need a precise internal time reference inside the firewall. It helps maintain consistent timestamps across servers, event logs, security systems, access records, video systems, automation infrastructure and synchronized clock networks.

• 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 TA210 is a Linux-based true Stratum-1 NTP time server. Its powerful network-optimized 64-bit processor allows it to process more than 20,000 NTP polls per second without affecting timing performance.

• Maximum NTP polling frequency: 20,000 polls per second
• Polling capacity: 1.2 million polls per minute
• Maximum clients at default NTP polling frequency: 20,000,000
• NTP synchronization accuracy: <2 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
• Full MD5, SHA1 and SHA256 authentication for enhanced security

GPS Timing Receiver and Holdover

The integrated 72-channel GPS timing receiver receives GPS L1 C/A satellite signals and provides reliable GPS timing performance. When GPS locked, the timing receiver synchronizes to 30 nanoseconds RMS.

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

• 72-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

TA210 provides professional configuration and monitoring options for IT and infrastructure environments. It includes a powerful web interface for straightforward setup and 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 TA210-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

TA210-P00 is supplied as a complete TimeTools TA210 GPS NTP Server Appliance kit.

• TimeTools TA210 GPS NTP Server Appliance
• High-Gain GPS Timing Antenna
• GPS Antenna Mount
• 20m Low-Loss Antenna Cable
• IEC Power Lead
• 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, TA210 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, server logs and synchronized clock systems.

Documents

TimeTools TA210 Datasheet (PDF)