A time server is a device that allows to transmit time information through the network. One of the important properties of the time server is the method of its synchronization against the Universal Coordinated Time (UTC). The overwhelming majority of time servers take the time information from other servers and only so called primary servers get the time information from external systems traceable to UTC. Our time server, TimeCZ, is directly traceable to UTC(TP) which is the time scale generated at the Institute of Photonics and Electronics (IPE), Czech Academy of Sciences.
URL of TimeCZ: time.ufe.cz
It should be noticed that UTC is the time of Prime Meridian (longitude 0) while the legal time in the Czech Republic is the Central European Time (UTC + 1 hour) or Central European Summer Time (UTC + 2 hours).
The time server makes use of UTC because:
- UTC is world-wide used time.
- All conventional operating systems allow to work with UTC.
- The shift to local time zone is ensured by the operating system.
- The operating system also ensures the changeover to summer time.
The time server came into existence at IPE in cooperation with the CESNET Association and both organizations are engaged in its operation. The service is provided free of charge to clients. It is assumed that the server will be used by a large number of concurrent clients and so in order to avoid congestion the following conditions must be observed:
- The period of timing requests in the client program must not be set to less than 4 minutes (recommended setting is 1 hour).
- It is not permitted to take the time information from our server for more than five computers in a local network. The operator of large number of computers should establish a secondary time server of his own.
The operator of TimeCZ server will do his best to make the time information available continuously. In addition, the control system should prevent the server from providing any kind of false time information. The details of both the server and its control system are shown elsewhere on this website.
The service is not available particularly if:
- A malfunction is indicated by the control system.
- System maintenance is carried out.
- An attack against the server is detected (the access from that part of network will be denied).
The operator provides the service of his own accord and on an "as is" basis, without warranties of any kind whatsoever. In no event shall the operator be liable for any damages in connection with the use or performance of the service.