Building Resilient Network Timing

Introduction

Network timing failures can significantly impact business operations. Implementing timing redundancy ensures continuous operation even when primary time sources fail. In this post, we will explore why timing redundancy is essential and how to implement it in your network.

Why Timing Redundancy is Essential

Timing redundancy provides a backup in the event of a failure in the primary time source. Without accurate timing, network devices may struggle to coordinate actions, leading to data loss, reduced performance, or even a complete network outage. This is particularly important in industries where precise time synchronisation is crucial, such as financial services, telecommunications, and broadcasting.

A failure in timing could result in serious operational issues, including disrupted transactions, misaligned data transfers, and degraded quality of service. Timing redundancy helps mitigate these risks, ensuring that the network remains robust and resilient.

Key Approaches to Adding Timing Redundancy

There are several methods for adding timing redundancy to your network. Each approach has its advantages, and the choice depends on the specific needs and complexity of your network infrastructure.

1. Multiple Time Servers.

The simplest and most cost-effective way to add timing redundancy is to configure multiple time servers in your network. By ensuring that devices synchronise with at least two or three servers, you can avoid relying on a single point of failure. The time servers can be spread across different physical locations to further improve redundancy.

2. Backup Clock Sources.

In more advanced networks, especially those that rely on GPS or other satellite-based timing systems, having a secondary clock source is vital. GPS clocks are often used as the primary source of accurate time, but they can be susceptible to environmental factors and may not always be available. By using a secondary source, such as a holdover oscillator, a radio time source, a second GPS antenna with a different sky view or an alternative GNSS service, you can ensure that timekeeping remains intact if one source fails.

3. Redundant Network Paths.

In some cases, it may be necessary to add redundancy to the network paths used for timing synchronisation. This ensures that if one path is disrupted, traffic, including time synchronisation messages, can be rerouted via another route. Many routers and switches now offer automatic failover for time synchronisation protocols, ensuring that time data continues to flow even if one connection fails.

Best Practices for Effective Timing Redundancy

• Design for Scalability: As your network grows, ensure that the timing redundancy solution scales accordingly. Plan for future needs by considering additional time servers and backup sources.
• Regular Testing: Periodically test your redundancy systems to ensure they function as expected. Simulate failures to see how quickly your network can switch to backup timing sources.
• Ensure Synchronisation Across Devices: All network devices, from routers to switches and firewalls, must be correctly synchronised. Ensure that backup timing sources are integrated into all relevant devices.
• Use Dedicated Timing Infrastructure: For critical operations, consider using dedicated hardware for time synchronisation.

Conclusion

Adding timing redundancy to your network is a fundamental step towards ensuring uninterrupted, accurate operations. By implementing strategies such as multiple time servers, backup clock sources and redundant network paths, you can significantly enhance your network's resilience and reliability.

With the increasing reliance on networked systems for everything from communication to financial transactions, ensuring that time synchronisation is consistent and dependable is more important than ever. By prioritising timing redundancy, you can safeguard your network from unexpected disruptions and maintain high levels of performance.