IP Clocks

IP Clock Systems

When it comes to implementing a synchronized clock system into a new building or retrofit, one of the main concerns with the architects and engineers and sometimes even the end user is the difficulty of installing their new clocks.  In fact, this concern can sometimes become the deciding factor in choosing between different technologies and options for the project.  The difference in a short or long down-time of the facility during a retrofit, as well as the possibility delays for the completion of a new building can both be dependent on the difficulty of installation of system such as the clocks.

IP Clock Systems

However, there are various clock systems and technologies that allow for an easy install.  One of these most recently developed systems is the IP clock system.  IP clocks, contrary to what some may believe provide simple, streamlined implementation into a building.  The technician responsible for the install, as well as the architects and engineers heading the project can rely on this.  To prove how simple the installation of IP clocks can be, the remainder of this article will outline the three easy steps to implementing IP clocks into a new building or retrofit project.

1. Mounting the Clock to the Wall

IP clocks receive time correction through an Ethernet connection.  Therefore, there are multiple ways to make the connection between the facility’s network (the source of time synchronization), and the back of the clock.  The connection can come from behind the wall, where the Ethernet cable is routed all the way back to the Ethernet switch.  The connection can also happen on the outside of the wall with an Ethernet jack.  Depending on the type of connection chosen, the mounting options of IP clock will change.  When connecting directly to the facility’s switch, the IP clock will be mounted to a gang box where the Ethernet cable will be routed from (more typical for new building installations).  When making the connection outside of the wall, the IP clock can be mounted anywhere there is an Ethernet jack in the vicinity—a viable option during a retrofit project.  With either method of mounting, there is still only one, simple Ethernet connection made to the back of the clock.

2. Powering the Clock

There are many ways to power an IP clock.  However, the two most common ways are through PoE Infrastructure and PoE injectors .  PoE, otherwise known as Power over Ethernet, is the ability to send the proper voltage, as well as the data for time correction to the clock through one Ethernet cable.  Having the capability of PoE infrastructure in a facility requires the installation of a PoE switch.  This switch would be located behind the wall and most likely in a server room.  However, when the installation of a PoE switch is not an option, IP clocks can also be powered locally through a PoE injector.  For each IP clock, an injector is plugged into a 110 volt outlet, as well as the Ethernet jack in the wall.  It then combines both the power from the outlet and the data from the network into one Ethernet cable that is routed to the IP clock.  In the end, no matter what type of power is selected, there will only be two or three connections to make between the IP clock, its power source, and its time source—a neither complicated, nor time consuming aspect of the installation.

3. Configuring all Clocks in the System

Finally, after the first two steps are completed, the IP clocks must be configured.  Since the clocks are connected to a building’s network infrastructure, the clocks can be configured through a computer connected to that same network.  With the software provided with their system, the user will log on to the computer, pull up the program (after making necessary installations), and have the ability to view and assign settings to every clock on the system.  If the user wishes to keep it simple and just display uniform time on every clock in the facility, the desired configuration can be created one time and then distributed globally to all clocks—saving time on the final step of getting the IP clocks up and running.

When saving time during installation is a deal-breaker for new building or retrofit projects, IP clocks are a proven solution for easy, streamlined installations.  While many other systems take more time on the back-end with wiring as well as setup, IP clocks require one wire to the back of the clock, and configuration that can take only a matter of minutes.  With IP clocks, time is saved through easy installation, and architects and engineers, as well as the end users, can depend on this.