The TimeTools TA310 Ultra-Fast GPS NTP Time Server is an ultra-fast, security-hardened, enterprise-class GPS-referenced Stratum-1 Network Time Protocol server supplied in a professional 1U 19" rack-mount aluminium enclosure.

Designed for computer networks of almost any size, the TA310 provides a precise and traceable time reference for NTP and SNTP compatible clients. With a network-optimized 64-bit Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A72 processor, Gigabit Ethernet, a 92-channel GPS timing receiver, large back-lit LCD display and high-stability TCXO holdover, it is suitable for large IT, security, automation and synchronized clock infrastructures.

Key Features

• Security-hardened enterprise-class Stratum-1 NTPv4 server: GPS-referenced network time server for accurate time synchronization.
• Ultra-fast NTP performance: processes more than 50,000 NTP polls per second, equivalent to 3 million polls per minute.
• Very high client capacity: supports more than 50 million clients at the default NTP polling frequency.
• 92-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 19" rack-mount aluminium enclosure: suitable for server rooms, data centres and professional rack installations.
• Large back-lit LCD display: shows detailed status information directly on the front panel.
• Low power consumption: less than 10W.
• 3-year warranty: with free firmware updates and lifetime support.
• Designed and manufactured in the UK.

Applications

The TA310 is designed for organisations that require a high-performance internal time reference inside the firewall. It helps maintain consistent timestamps across servers, network devices, security systems, video platforms, access control records, automation infrastructure and synchronized clock systems.

• 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
• Server rooms, data centres, control rooms and large campus networks

NTP Timing Performance

The TA310 is a Linux-based true Stratum-1 NTP time server. Its powerful Quad-Core, network-optimized 64-bit processor allows it to process more than 50,000 NTP polls per second without affecting timing performance.

• Maximum NTP polling frequency: 50,000 polls per second
• Polling capacity: 3 million polls per minute
• Maximum clients at default NTP polling frequency: 50,000,000
• 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 92-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.

• 92-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

TA310 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 TA310-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

TA310-P00 is supplied as a complete TimeTools TA310 NTP Server Appliance kit.

• TimeTools TA310 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, TA310 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, audit trails and synchronized clock systems.

Documents

TimeTools TA310 Datasheet (PDF)