What are the differences between PTP servers and NTP servers?

The prices of the mainstream clock servers in the market usually range from several hundred to several thousand yuan, and some even reach tens of thousands of yuan. Most customers are not clear about the reasons behind this, they just think that for the same time synchronization function, why is there such a big price difference? In fact, the functions are different. The specific price depends on factors such as the external reference source that the time server can receive, the internal clock source, the type of output timing signal, the number of timing signal routes, and the timing accuracy.

Regarding network timing, there are two main types: NTP timing and PTP timing.

NTP Overview:

The NTP protocol is a network timing protocol. The function of NTP is to synchronize the time of computers, network cameras, servers, etc. to a certain standard time. Currently, the time standard adopted is Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), while in China, the commonly used time standard is standard Beijing Time. The NTP protocol generally provides timing for devices such as computers, network cameras, and servers to achieve time uniformity. The common ones in the market are NTP network time servers.

PTP Overview:

The PTP timing protocol is a rarely used master-slave synchronization system in the market. It encodes time information for network transmission, utilizes the symmetry of the network and delay measurement technology to achieve synchronization of master and slave time. To implement such a function, a master clock and a slave clock need to be used together. PTP clock equipment is commonly used in research institutions such as military, research institutes, and universities.

Differences in the use of NTP and PTP:

Timing accuracy is different: NTP is at the ms level, while PTP is at the ns level;

Hardware composition is different: The NTP system is generally composed of an NTP time server and client devices. The client (computers, network cameras, servers, etc.) can generally receive the NTP protocol. While PTP is generally composed of a master time server, a slave time server, and a client. Because currently, the PTP protocol is not directly usable in many clients, a PTP slave clock must be added.

Cost is different: The cost of NTP servers is low, while the cost of PTP servers is relatively higher.