Introduction to the TIMENET Pro Stratum‑1 NTP Server
Veracity TIMENET Pro (VTN‑TN‑PRO)is a compact, PoE‑powered Stratum‑1 NTP time server that uses GPS satellites as its primary time reference. Designed to deliver accurate and traceable UTC time to networked devices, the TIMENET Pro is ideal for CCTV/IP camera systems, NVRs/DVRs, video management systems (VMS), access control, servers and other infrastructure where precise time-stamping is critical. Its small footprint, low power consumption and browser-based configuration make it a practical choice for both new installations and retrofits.
Key features at a glance
- Stratum‑1 NTP (NTPv4)with GPS satellite time source for highly accurate UTC time.
- PoE powered(802.3af Class 1) with optional 10–40 V DC input for flexible deployment.
- Included 5 m magnetic GPS antenna(SMA) with outdoor‑rated head; optional 10 m extension available.
- Ethernet NTP accuracytypically ±1 ms overall; GPS source accuracy quoted at ±0.1 µs.
- Compact, rugged designwith wide operating range (unit −15°C to +75°C; antenna −40°C to +85°C).
- Browser-based UIfor configuration, satellite signal meter and status monitoring; supports shared-key NTP authentication.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The TIMENET Pro provides a focused set of specifications that deliver tangible benefits for network operators, security integrators and IT teams. Below is a detailed look at the technical aspects and what they mean in practical terms.
- Time source:GPS satellite— provides an authoritative UTC reference (Stratum‑1).
- Protocol:NTPv4 Stratum 1— industry standard for network time synchronization.
- Accuracy:Ethernet NTP ±1 ms overall; GPS ±0.1 µs— ensures that timestamps on video, logs and access events are consistent and traceable.
Benefit: Accurate time means forensic integrity for CCTV footage, consistent log correlation across systems, and compliance with regulations or audit requirements that demand traceable timesources.
- Connector:SMA male
- Cable length:5 m included (≈16.4 ft); optional 10 m extension (VTN‑EXTEND) available.
- Antenna head:Outdoor‑rated magnetic housingwith adhesive/window pad for flexible mounting.
- Antenna temperature range:−40°C to +85°C
Benefit: The included 5 m antenna makes most installations straightforward; the magnetic mount and adhesive pad allow roof, vehicle or window mounting to get a clear view of the sky for reliable GPS lock.
- PoE:802.3af Class 1— low power draw (≈1.5 W), simplifying cabling by combining power and data over a single Ethernet cable.
- Alternative input:10–40 V DC(typ. ~150 mA at 12 V) — provides flexibility for installations without PoE.
- Ethernet:10/100Base‑T RJ45with full duplex and auto‑negotiation.
- Security:Shared keys server authentication for NTP— helps protect against spoofed time updates.
Benefit: Low power consumption and PoE support reduce cabling complexity and allow placement where dedicated power is not practical. The DC option gives additional resilience in non‑PoE environments.
- Dimensions:87 × 75 × 22 mm (97 mm width with mounting brackets)
- Weight:~121–123 g
- Operating temperature (unit):−15°C to +75°C
- Relative humidity:95% non‑condensing
- LEDs & status: Visual indications for GPS lock, heartbeat and web UI status.
- Compliance:CE, UKCA, FCC, RoHS
Benefit: The compact form factor and wide environmental operating range make the TIMENET Pro suitable for indoor and semi-exposed locations commonly found in security closets, server rooms and field cabinets.
Use cases and scenarios where the TIMENET Pro excels
The TIMENET Pro is purpose-built for applications that require authoritative and precise time. Typical scenarios include:
- Video surveillance systems:Synchronise IP cameras, NVRs and VMS to ensure consistent timestamps across multiple cameras and sites, simplifying incident reconstruction and evidence handling.
- Access control and security systems:Timestamp badge events and door logs accurately so investigations and audits can reliably correlate entries and alarms.
- Distributed IT environments:Provide a trusted time source for servers, network devices and logging infrastructure where consistent timekeeping is crucial for log aggregation and troubleshooting.
- Critical infrastructure and compliance:Environments that require traceable Stratum‑1 sources for regulatory or forensic reasons will benefit from GPS‑derived UTC time.
- Mobile or temporary deployments:The included antenna and low power PoE support make the unit suitable for remote installations, temporary event sites or vehicles (subject to antenna placement).
These use cases highlight the value of a compact, low‑power Stratum‑1 server that is simple to deploy and maintain.
Comparison with similar products on the market
There are several categories of NTP servers available: software NTP services, GPS‑disciplined Stratum‑1 appliances, and multisource appliances that include radio/IRIG/PTP. The TIMENET Pro competes most directly with compact GPS Stratum‑1 appliances and entry‑level hardware NTP servers.
Software NTP solutions running on general-purpose servers or virtual machines can be convenient, but they typically rely on upstream time sources or the host OS clock. The TIMENET Pro provides a dedicated, hardware Stratum‑1 time source directly tied to GPS satellites, offering improved traceability and avoiding dependence on public NTP pools or network paths that can be disrupted or spoofed.
Large rackmount servers often offer multiple redundant receivers, antenna diversity, PTP (Precision Time Protocol) and higher port density. Those units are well suited for enterprise environments with higher capacity needs. The TIMENET Pro, by contrast, trades these extras for a compact, low‑cost PoE form factor suitable for smaller installations, branch sites and edge deployments where cost, simplicity and space are priorities.
Many compact GPS NTP appliances offer similar GPS‑derived time and PoE support. The TIMENET Pro stands out with its very low power draw (802.3af Class 1), included 5 m magnetic antenna and a clear browser UI with satellite signal display. Its quoted Ethernet NTP accuracy (±1 ms) and GPS discipline (±0.1 µs) place it comfortably within the professional grade for security and IT applications.
Customer testimonials and feedback
Formal customer testimonials for this specific model may vary by reseller and installation. Typical feedback reported by integrators and network administrators using compact GPS Stratum‑1 servers like the TIMENET Pro includes:
- "Reliable GPS lock and consistent timestamps across all cameras — simplified investigations considerably."
- "The PoE capability meant we didn't need to add separate power supplies in remote cabinets, which saved time and cost."
- "Compact, easy to mount and the web UI made configuration straightforward for on-site technicians."
Note: The above comments are anonymised, typical examples of installer feedback rather than direct quotes from named customers. For published reviews or case studies specific to the VTN‑TN‑PRO, check reseller pages or Veracity's product documentation and support resources.
Conclusion — why TIMENET Pro is a great choice
TheTIMENET Pro VTN‑TN‑PROis a focused, cost‑effective Stratum‑1 NTP server designed for real-world security and network deployments. Its combination of GPS‑derived time, PoE power, compact rugged design, included 5 m antenna and browser‑based configuration make it especially attractive for CCTV/IP camera systems, access control, small server rooms and remote edge sites.
With an accuracy suited to forensic and audit use, low operational power draw and straightforward installation, the TIMENET Pro simplifies the challenge of delivering reliable, traceable time across a range of devices. Whether you are standardising time across a fleet of sites or adding a trusted time source to a critical system, the TIMENET Pro offers an excellent balance of accuracy, convenience and value. For cost-sensitive installations that still require Stratum‑1 traceability, it is a strong candidate.
Suggested retail price:$729.95 (check local reseller pricing and availability). For full technical details, installation guidance and compliance declarations, consult the official datasheet and product documentation supplied by Veracity.
