The UK’s National Physical Laboratory (NPL) has launched an upgraded Network Time Protocol (NTP) service to strengthen the country’s national timing infrastructure.
The improvements are part of the wider National Timing Center (NTC) program, which aims to provide a decentralized and resilient framework for accurate time and frequency across the UK.
From financial transactions to communications networks, accurate timekeeping is essential to modern digital operations. NTP allows you to align the internal clocks of your computers and devices to a trusted external reference.
Without regular synchronization, clocks can fluctuate, creating errors and vulnerabilities in systems that rely on accurate timing.
Dr. Leon Lobo, NPL’s NTC Program Director, added: “Accurate and resilient timekeeping is the cornerstone of the UK’s digital infrastructure.
“This updated service reflects our commitment to supporting the reliability and security of the critical systems we rely on, innovation, and economic growth.”
Expanding UK timekeeping infrastructure
NPL’s revised Network Time Protocol service now operates five Stratum 1 servers in three separate locations in the UK, up from two previously.
These servers are connected directly to NPL’s atomic clock, providing a reliable ground-based alternative to satellite signals. The enhanced setup is designed to improve resiliency and reliability, ensuring critical systems continue to function even in the event of satellite signal disruption.
New guidance accompanying the service emphasizes secure and accurate implementation of NTP.
Recommended methods include using authentication protocols and hardware timestamping to reduce timing errors and improve reliability.
Supporting next generation technology
Enhanced timing infrastructure supports a variety of emerging technologies. High-precision time distribution is especially important for 5G and 6G networks, autonomous systems, satellite navigation, and smart city initiatives.
The upgraded Network Time Protocol service helps maintain the integrity of time-sensitive operations across multiple sectors by providing a reliable baseline of digital clocks.
The initiative was funded by the UK Government’s Integrated Security Fund and carried out in partnership with the National Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) Directorate within the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
It leverages the established NPLTime® platform, which has been commercially serving financial and other industries for the past seven years.
Ensure safe and reliable time allocation
NPL is expanding its Network Time Protocol service to meet the growing demand for secure and accurate timing in both the public and private sectors.
This upgrade will contribute to a more robust national timing infrastructure that supports innovation while protecting the accuracy and reliability of critical digital systems across the UK.
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