CHAPTER 3
OPERATION AND NETWORK INTERFACE
3.0 GENERAL
The TYMSERVE 2000 time data is accessed via the Ethernet connection by hosts utilizing NTP
(Network Time Protocol) over UDP/IP. Time is also available via the IRIG B time code signal
provided as a rear panel output (see Chapter 5 Input/Output Connectors.)
3.1 OPERATION
The operation of the TYMSERVE is quite simple. First, use the menu system (See Chapter 4
Menu System) to set the Internet address and various other parameters. Connect the timing
signal (GPS, time code, etc.) to the unit. Then connect to the Ethernet. On the user's host
machines, make the host NTP daemon aware of the TYMSERVE's Internet address. The NTP
daemon will then take care of maintaining time synchronization.
The front panel LCD display of time can be monitored to verify that the TYMSERVE is
maintaining time properly. When a loss of time source occurs, the time display will show the
word 'FLY' to indicate that it is flywheeling (i.e. maintaining time when the time source is lost).
Once time is initially acquired, the TYMSERVE will continue to provide time even if the timing
signal is lost. The NTP message returned by the TYMSERVE will indicate (via the Reference
Timestamp) when it last obtained time updates from the timing signal.
3.2 NETWORK INTERFACE
The TYMSERVE 2000 is compatible with NTP versions 2 and 3 as described in RFC-1119 and
RFC-1305 by David L. Mills of the University of Delaware. Hosts wanting to be synchronized
should be running a copy of the public domain NTP daemon (or some equivalent program.) If an
NTP daemon is not available on your system the user can obtain a copy of RFC-1119 (available
via FTP or E-Mail from the Network Information Center NIC) in order to implement an NTP
daemon for their system. Details of the NTP protocol and synchronization techniques are
beyond the scope of this manual.
3.3 SERIAL PORT DATA FORMAT
The TYMSERVE transmits UTC time via the rear panel serial port connector once per second as
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General