# Case Studies
Providing secure time reference to a leading pharmaceutical organization - Vifor Pharma
Vifor Pharma, a global pharmaceutical company based in Switzerland and specialized in iron deficiency treatments, needed an enterprise-level NTPNTP, or Network Time Protocol, is a widely used networking protocol that enables computers and devices to synchronize their system clocks with a reference time source. It ensures accurate timekeeping in computer networks by allowing devices to obtain precise time information from NTP servers, which are typically synchronized to highly accurate atomic clocks. NTP is essential for various applications and services that rely on synchronized time, such as network security, authentication, and data logging. time server solution to synchronize more than 800 servers simultaneously and coordinate their activity at their twenty remote sites.
After careful analysis of Vifor Pharma’s timing and synchronization processes, the company identified the critical need for a consistent, reliable and secure resilient timing solution.
While many organizations rely on Internet time to synchronize their data and operations, it is less secure and far more unreliable than time data from proven GPSGlobal Positioning System is a navigation satellite system. See also/GNSS time servers.
WHY INTERNET TIME IS PROBLEMATIC
- Time obtained from internet sources is highly variable
- Unknown time sources have no traceability
- Users are unable to correlate events across different locations
- There are security risks in having an open port to the outside for time synchronization
Time from GPS/GNSS-based time servers is far more accurate and secure; it is legally traceable, and it significantly improves sync between locations. Learn more by checking out our dedicated Tech Brief “The Traceability of Time Synchronization: Why Internet Time Isn’t Good Enough”.
Vifor Pharma contacted Orolia to provide a solution to make their Time source more reliable and secure.
Solution
Orolia provided Vifor Pharma with a dedicated NTP server configuration adapted to their specific needs and infrastructure challenges associated with geographically dispersed locations.
To meet these requirements, Orolia configured its Enterprise-Class SecureSync NTP Server with an 8230
Anti-Jam Antenna, upgrade options for a GPS/GNSS interference detection system, and STL alternative GNSSGlobal navigation satellite system (GNSS): A general term describing any satellite constellation that provides positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services on a global or regional basis. See also signal technology.
The combination of Orolia’s SecureSync time server and the STL signal provided by Satelles has recently
been tested and confirmed by GMV to deliver extremely accurate timing indoors and underground, as compared to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
The holdover capability embedded in the SecureSync NTP Server through Orolia’s high-quality OCXO oscillator also enables this platform to maintain precise time and frequency during long periods of GNSS outage.
Results
Vifor Pharma was thus provided with a resilient timing infrastructure that fulfilled all requirements for precise, accurate NTP time distribution across its global network. This solution also enables our customer to comply with the latest regulations regarding the time stamping of production control and operations.
Related Resources
Measure
Adapt
