NAPAfrica Enhances Network Time Protocol

NAPAfrica, a leading Internet Exchange Point (IXP) operated by Teraco, has unveiled plans to introduce a network time protocol (NTP) powered by Adtran’s Oscilloquartz synchronisation technology, aiming to bolster clock synchronisation capabilities for its clients.

NTP serves as a critical protocol for synchronising clocks across networked computer systems, playing a vital role in ensuring accurate timekeeping for various applications, including security protocols, certificate validation, and event logging across interconnected servers.

Andrew Owens, Teraco’s interconnection and peering lead, highlighted the wide-ranging benefits of this initiative, emphasizing its potential to optimize IoT processes in manufacturing and provide precise time information necessary for low-latency operations.

Furthermore, NAPAfrica will leverage the NTP solution to maintain synchronicity within its systems, ensuring seamless operations across its Internet Exchange Point infrastructure.

Deployed on Adtran’s OSA 5412 platform in collaboration with NEC XON, the NTP server utilizes a sophisticated system comprising a grandmaster clock and a multi-band Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). While specific details regarding the GNSS system used were not disclosed by Teraco, the solution promises exceptional accuracy and reliability in time synchronisation.

Stuart Broome, GM of EMEA sales at Adtran, expressed enthusiasm about Teraco’s latest offering, highlighting its accessibility to a diverse range of businesses seeking robust timing and synchronisation services.

The NTP service powered by Adtran’s technology is now available to clients, providing operators with easy access to highly accurate timing capabilities through a user-friendly interface accessible at ntp.nap.africa. This advancement marks a significant step forward in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of network time synchronisation for businesses across various industries.