Nowadays, more and more facilities are relying solely on network infrastructure to run the many systems that are typically installed in a building. Using the network is considered extremely reliable and eliminates extra expenses that would otherwise occur from additional wiring or materials. There are several key advantages of using network connected devices throughout a work place. Perhaps one of the best of these features is the networks ability to synchronize with every connected device and send the same, exact time out to each. A prime example of this advantage is the use of an IP clock system. Let’s explain below how IP clocks work effortlessly on the network.

What IP Clocks Do for You and Your Network

When an organization purchases and installs IP clocks, they are doing so with the intention of having the right time displayed at all times. These clocks are made so that they can connect directly to a building’s network via an Ethernet connection. By doing so, these clocks will run solely over the network, always stay in sync, and use power-over-Ethernet (PoE) for both power and synchronization. Each IP clock will possess its own IP address and therefore keep its own identity from other devices on the network. The beauty of this system is that each clock can be programmed individually to reflect the time settings you prefer for each of them to have (via a web interface). If the same settings are desired for every clock, simply adjust the settings for one, save the configuration, and upload that same configuration to each IP clock. Running and maintaining an IP clock system is a piece of cake when fully exploiting its network capabilities.

How IP Clocks Synchronize With All Devices Connected To the Network

In some cases, if machines are connected to the same network they will synchronize with each other. This is possible when they are programmed to automatically receive their time information from an internal NTP server. When IP clocks synchronize, they can be set to sync with the same internal NTP server. Because all devices are then using the same time source, they are all running and displaying the same time otherwise known as the “network time”. Having one single network time for all devices ensures those computers, clocks and other devices are all accurate and the same from room to room or even building to building (in campus settings). With network IP clocks, an institution can rest assured that all its clocks are running on the same network time as other devices and systems, are accurate, and can easily be configured when changes must occur.