NTP servers (Network Time Protocol) are devices that can synchronise a computer network to an authoritative UTC time source. UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) is a global time scale used throughout the world and provided by atomic clocks.

NTP servers can receive UTC time either across the Internet from places such as nist.gov or windows.time. However, it must be noted that Internet based timing references can’t be authenticated and may leave a network vulnerable to malicious attacks such as DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service - normally caused by malware that floods a server with traffic) that blocks access.

Fortunately dedicated NTP servers can receive an authenticated timing reference through either the GPS network (Global Positioning system) or specialist long wave radio broadcasts normally emitted from a national physics laboratory. Some NTP servers can receive both signals and even use them at the same time to ensure better accuracy.

GPS NTP servers are extremely easy to install as most time server manufacturers supply easy-to-use software with their devices.

Normally a GPS NTP server consists of a rack mount NTP time server, A GPS receiver and IEC Power Cables.

For installation first locate a suitable area for the rack mount NTP Time Server in the rack mount enclosure, bearing in mind you will need to run a cable from this location preferably to the roof of the building or by a window if you are using GPS.

Locate an area to mount the GPS antenna, the ideal place would be the roof of the building with a 180 degree view of the sky but bear in mind that you will need to keep the GPS antenna close to the power source on the roof of the building. Things to avoid are air conditioning units and power distribution units as these will cause electrical interference.

The cable should be run from the rackmount enclosure to the selected mounting position leaving some slack cable in case you need to move the unit at a later date! Note: The maximum workable cable length for a GPS time server is 1000 meters (1km).

The four core cable is attached to the rear of the rackmount NTP Time Server using a small junction box. The standard wiring for the GPS antenna is as follows:

1 – Brown, 2 – Orange, 3 – Yellow, 4 – Green, 5 – Blue, 6 – White

With both units wired first power the GPS antenna then power up the rackmount server. Some time servers gave a small LCD screen at the front where on screen diagnostics are displayed. In most cases the unit will synchronise within 15 minutes, the delay is due to the GPS antenna locating and synchronising to satellites.

The configuration of the NTP Time Server can be achieved over the network using an internet browser.



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Many smaller businesses tend to have a limited understanding of the difference between peer to peer networking and making the leap to a proper client server network. Over the last few months, Microsoft has upgraded its operating systems and applications for servers, notably Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008 and brining out Service Pack 1 for Exchange Server 2007. In doing so, they have brought out a very powerful, co-ordinated product offering for organisations from small businesses to the largest corporation.

This can provide some of the advantages in time saving and efficiency to small businesses that have, hitherto, only been accessible to larger organisations.

Windows Server 2008

When you put a server in place, you need an operating system specifically designed to operate in a client sever environment, hence Windows Server 2008.

One of the main advantages that this gives, is in security. The new technologies in Windows Server 2008 help prevent unauthorized connections to your networks, servers, data, and user accounts. Any computer that attempts to access you network runs into Network Access Protection (NAP) which makes sure that they comply with your organization’s security policy. As importantly, BitLocker Drive Encryption gives greater protection against data theft in the event that server hardware is lost or stolen, as well as providing more secure data deletion when your servers are eventually decommissioned.

The Server Manager provides a single console that simplifies server set up , configuration and management as well as allowing administrators to automate routine tasks over multiple servers.

If your business relies on remote workers, has satellite shops or offices, or needs to provide access to company data for sales representatives, Terminal Services RemoteApp provides this. Authorised staff can easily access standard Windows-based programs from anywhere by running them on a terminal server instead of directly on a client computer - without the need for a complicated virtual private network (VPN).

Sharepoint, which comes with Windows Server 2008, provides the ability to share applications like Excel spreadsheets, which can be accessed and updated by staff, whether in the office or remotely. It provides a focal point for company and or team activity which can really boost productivity by having one set of documents that every one can access and update directly.

Exchange Server 2007 SP1

MIcrosofts Exchange Server 2007 is another invaluable aid to keeping everyone up to date and coordinated. It provides e-mail messaging, calendar organisation and unified messaging. It provides built in protection against spam and malware attacks with an integrated, IP based block-and-allow list based on sender reputation and are automatically updated. Administrators can also create additional IP allow-or-deny lists if necessary.

The Calendar Attendant helps to reduce conflicting appointments by limiting calendar items (request, declines, accepts) in the inbox to the latest version. It also shows meeting requests as tentative on individual calendars until all the people invited to attend the meeting reply.

In addition to Exchange Management Shell, the Public Folder Management Console lets administrators quickly manage public folders, including creation, deletion, and the replication configuration of individual folders.

SQL Server 2008

Of course, one of the great strengths, and main reasons for having a proper server based network is providing access to a common database for a number of concurrent users. Whether this is to control information , such as stock movements or provide information for customers from an e-commerce website, SQL Server 2008 delivers integrated services that let you query, search, synchronize, report and analyze data. Furthermore, as it is stored in an organisation’s server and accessed by desktops and mobile devices, it can be simultaneously updated and queried without having to manage replication issues.

The reporting engine in SQL Server 2008 Reporting Services allows you to integrate and report on data from a number of functions within the company. Large and complex reports can be produced in various formats, including list, chart, table, and matrix. They can incorporate data from Oracle, SQL Server, DB2 and many other sources and then you can preview, print and publish the reports with the integral report builder. You can also export it easily to Office 2007 products such as Excel to manipulate it into “what if” scenarios or Word for presentations and reports.

Conclusion

Every business has its own, individual, problems and what would be a critical benefit for one company, would be irrelevant to another, so it is not possible to cover all the features and benefits that might be relevant to all businesses. Suffice it to say, that, if you run a small to medium sized business, it would be worth examining the advantages that you might experience by moving to a proper client server network.



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In today’s ever growing competitive markets your business needs whatever advantages it can get to maintain a healthy profit margin. With budgets tightening it can be easy to pay more attention to marketing and development overlooking the I.T. sector in the effort to boost profits. By ignoring the communications department though you can be making a big mistake. Before we continue this discussion let us take a closer look at what OC3 is first.

OC3/OC-3 is one of the many backbone bandwidths of the SONET family. SONET stands for Synchronous Optical NETwork and offers many flavors of optical carrier bandwidths including OC12, OC48, OC192, and OC768 to name a few. OC levels are for the most part a T1 line on steroids allowing for larger data and voice traffic payloads for businesses in growth or in current demand for larger communication needs. One OC3 circuit alone is equivalent to 84 T1 lines or 3 T3 lines and runs at the speed of 155 Mbps.

Other OC-x Speeds:

OC9         466 Mbps = 252 T1’s

OC12       622 Mbps = 336 T1’s

OC18       933 Mbps = 504 T1’s

OC24        1.2 Gbps  = 672 T1’s

OC36        1.8 Gbps  = 1,008 T1’s

OC48        2.4 Gbps  = 1,344 T1’s

OC96        4.9 Gbps  = 2,688 T1’s

OC192      9.9 Gbps  = 5,376 T1’s

OC768    39.8 Gbps  = 21,504 T1’s

Common uses  in large enterprises include hosting servers, WANs, ISP, VoIP, SIP Trunking, PBX voice, and other applications. As a matter of fact, when it comes to voice use for call centers, an OC3 is capable of handling the transmission of over 2,000 lines of voice traffic simultaneously. These larger capacities can be accredited to the capacity associated with fiber optics.

One feature that makes this bandwidth type a popular choice for large businesses is the redundancy (reliability) normally associated with the SONET architecture. Reliability is obviously necessary for productive continuity in the workplace for any successful business so this is a main selling point. This can help keep money allocated in other areas as there is usually less expense for technician for downtime analysis and repairs as well as lost revenue to paid employees for man hours during such outages.

Your company saves more per Mb in larger quantities of bandwidth making a partial port, full port, or busrtable OC3 driving your business Internet and voice communications more economical in a belt squeezing economy. This is yet another attractive selling point for many corporations in America in these trying times.

The future of  applications associated with many bandwidth technologies will require extensive liquidation of hardware and the purchase of new technologies which can drain any hardened bottom line. The beauty of the SONET standard is it’s seamless integration with newer technologies as they present themselves saving your enterprise the hassle of implementing new hardware as well as the purchase of it.

Ultimately, when you are able to combine added productivity and functionality to your everyday operations with cost considerations in place, your business can then allocate funds into other areas that can keep your business growing to the capacity of your market increasing profitability.

There are other features and options for OC3 that may or may not be right for your business so consulting with your I.T. staff as well as a good broker specialist can help you find both the right bandwidth and a cost effective solution suitable for your growing network needs.