Humans have been keeping time one way or another for at least 5,000 years. The ancient Egyptians were known to tell time by using obelisks as a type of primitive sundial. Mechanical clocks were invented in the 14th century, and time keeping has gotten more technologically advanced ever since. Today, most people keep time digitally through one or more network clocks. For several decades now, computers have kept time with the help of something known as network time servers. You might not have heard of them, but network time servers run more things than many people realize. This article will be taking a look at several things everyone should know about network time servers.

• Two Protocols: NTP vs PTP: One thing to know about network time servers is that they generally run using one of two protocols: NTP or PTP. NTP stands for Network Time Protocol and is one of the oldest Internet protocols still in use today, as it has been in operation since before 1985. The other protocol, PTP, stands for Precision Time Protocol and is somewhat newer, as it was originally defined and standardized in 2002. While not the same, NTP and PTP both work to synchronize clocks through a computer network.
• Network Time Servers Work With GPS: Another thing to know about network time servers is that they are connected to GPS. That might not make sense until you remember that Global Positioning Systems show data in real time, which means the devices have to remain synchronized with a larger network in order to remain accurate. In fact, all 31 working satellites of the Global Positioning System have built-in, highly accurate atomic clocks to help them remain accurate.
• Network Time Servers Are Connected to Scorekeeping Machines: And finally, a third thing to know about network time servers is that they are connected to a variety of scorekeeping machines. For example, Strikefirst digital scorekeepers are synchronized using network time servers. These Strikefirst scorekeepers can be used for fast-paced events like taekwondo and various sporting events where keeping an accurate score is incredibly important. Strikefirst devices remain synchronized to the proper time using network time servers, which allows them to keep the most accurate time, and by extension the most accurate score, possible.

In conclusion, there are several things you should know about network time servers. For example, network time servers operate using one of two protocols: NTP or PTP. Also, network time servers are connected to GPS systems to help them remain accurate. And finally, network time servers are also connected to scorekeeping machines that allow them to keep an accurate time and score. These are just a few of the things you should know about network time servers and the role they play in keeping an accurate time throughout the day.