TimingSynchronisation

Timing synchronisation is the process of coordinating clocks across computing systems, networks, and equipment so that time stamps and events are aligned. It underpins data integrity, event ordering, and coordinated control in distributed systems.

Common methods and standards include the Network Time Protocol (NTP) and Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP) for general purpose time distribution; the Precision Time Protocol (IEEE 1588) for sub-millisecond accuracy in local area networks with hardware timestamping; and external references such as GPS and GLONASS time sources. IRIG time codes are used in some industrial and laboratory contexts. Synchronisation quality is described by accuracy, stability, and jitter, and is often expressed as the maximum clock error relative to the reference.

Architectures range from centralized master clocks to hierarchical strata and distributed configurations. In NTP, clients discipline local clocks against servers in a tree-like structure; PTP uses master-slave clocks with delay measurements to compensate for network latency. Holdover is a mode in which a local oscillator maintains time when the reference is unavailable.

Applications span telecommunications networks, financial trading systems that require precise timestamps, distributed computing and cloud services, industrial automation, and media workflows that require synchronized audio and video.

Challenges include variable and asymmetric network delays, clock drift, equipment failures, leap seconds, and security risks such as spoofing or tampering with time signals. Effective timing synchronisation relies on reliable time sources, redundant paths, monitoring, and appropriate protocols and hardware support.