Accurate time is essential in schools, hospitals, commercial buildings, government facilities and industrial environments. IP Time Solutions provide a reliable way to synchronise clocks and devices across an organisation using the existing Ethernet or Wi-Fi network.
From PoE digital clocks and Wi-Fi clocks to NTP time servers and GPS master clocks, modern IP time systems deliver accurate and consistent time throughout an entire facility.
What Is an IP Time System?
An IP Time System uses the organisation’s data network to distribute accurate time to connected clocks and devices.
Most systems use Network Time Protocol (NTP) to automatically synchronise every clock with a central NTP time source.
Depending on the application, the time source can be:
- A local NTP time server
- A dedicated GPS NTP server
- An existing corporate NTP server
- A trusted internet-based NTP source
Once configured, clocks automatically maintain accurate and consistent time without requiring individual adjustment.
PoE Network Clocks
Power over Ethernet (PoE) clocks are ideal for new buildings and network-based installations.
A single Ethernet cable provides both data connectivity and power. As a result, there is no need for a separate power outlet at every clock location.
PoE clocks are available in several formats, including:
- Digital LED clocks
- Analogue IP clocks
- Calendar and date displays
- Time zone clocks
- Indoor and outdoor clocks
- Hospital and healthcare clocks
PoE also makes central management easier while reducing installation requirements.
Wi-Fi Clocks
Where Ethernet cabling is unavailable, Wi-Fi clocks provide another flexible option.
Wi-Fi models connect directly to the wireless network and synchronise with an NTP server. Depending on the model, clocks can operate from mains power or batteries.
This makes Wi-Fi clocks particularly useful when upgrading existing buildings where installing additional network cabling may be difficult or expensive.
GPS and Local NTP Time Servers
Some organisations require their own independent and highly accurate time source.
A GPS NTP time server receives accurate time directly from GPS satellites and distributes it across the local Ethernet network.
This provides several advantages:
- Accurate local network time
- No dependence on public internet NTP services
- Synchronisation of hundreds or thousands of devices
- Improved network security
- Reliable operation during internet outages
- Consistent timestamps across network systems
Local NTP servers are particularly valuable in government, healthcare, defence, transport, education and industrial environments.
More Than Just Clocks
Accurate network time can synchronise much more than wall clocks.
The same NTP infrastructure can support:
- Computers and servers
- IP phone systems
- CCTV and security systems
- Access control systems
- Building management systems
- Digital signage
- IP paging systems
- Data logging systems
- Industrial equipment
Having a common time source ensures that events and system logs use consistent timestamps across the organisation.
Automatic Daylight Saving Time
Modern IP clocks can automatically adjust for daylight saving time based on their configured time zone.
There is no need for staff to manually change individual clocks.
For organisations operating across several regions, IP time zone clocks can display multiple cities or international time zones while remaining synchronised from the same NTP source.
Applications for IP Time Solutions
IP synchronised clock systems are suitable for a wide range of facilities, including:
Schools and Universities
Accurate time keeps classrooms, examinations, bell systems and administration areas synchronised.
IP clocks can also operate alongside IP bell and PA systems, helping create a complete network-based communication platform.
Hospitals and Healthcare
Reliable synchronised time is important for clinical procedures, medication records, staff coordination and accurate system logging.
Specialised healthcare clocks are also available for areas requiring easy-to-clean or recessed designs.
Commercial Buildings
Network clocks provide consistent time throughout offices, reception areas, meeting rooms and common areas.
Government and Public Facilities
Local NTP servers provide secure, centrally controlled time synchronisation without relying on external internet services.
Industrial and Manufacturing Facilities
Large LED clocks provide excellent visibility across factories, warehouses and production areas while maintaining accurate network synchronisation.
Benefits of IP Time Solutions
Moving to an IP-based time system provides several important advantages:
- Accurate synchronised time across the entire facility
- Centralised management
- Automatic time correction
- Automatic daylight saving changes
- Reduced maintenance
- PoE or Wi-Fi connectivity options
- Easy expansion as additional clocks are required
- Integration with existing Ethernet infrastructure
- Support for multiple buildings and locations
- Synchronisation with other IP-based systems
Upgrade from Traditional Clock Systems
Traditional wired master clock systems often require dedicated cabling and proprietary infrastructure.
An IP-based system can use an organisation’s existing network instead.
This makes it easier to gradually replace older clocks and expand the system without installing a completely separate clock network.
Existing facilities can also combine PoE, Ethernet, Wi-Fi and GPS technologies to create a solution suited to each area of the site.
Complete IP Time Solutions from advanceIP
At advanceIP, we provide complete IP Time Solutions for projects of all sizes.
Our range includes:
- PoE digital clocks
- PoE analogue clocks
- Wi-Fi clocks
- Indoor and outdoor LED clocks
- Time zone clocks
- Calendar and date displays
- Healthcare clocks
- GPS NTP time servers
- Network master clocks
- Large-format time displays
We can assist with product selection, system design, NTP configuration and integration with your existing network infrastructure.
Whether you need a few network clocks or a complete multi-building synchronised time system, advanceIP can design an IP Time Solution to suit your application.