User manual

MC1000 - NTP Time Reference System - User Manual - Version 2.020
8 - NTP authentication
NTP authentication is a digital signature added to the end of each
NTP data message allowing the user to ensure that a particular time
stamp originated from a particular server (or client) and was not
modied after transmission. The digital signature is generated using
the NTP data and a special passcode or ‘key’. Assuming this key is
hidden from public view (known only to the server and client / clients),
a trusted relationship can be established.
Authentication is disabled as standard and may be enabled /
congured using the front panel switches and the procedure detailed
below. Alternatively, authentication can be congured via the USB
interface and supplied MC1000 Interface software application (see
section 7 for further details).
8.1 - Managing authentication keys
Keys and key IDs may be viewed, added or deleted using the Key
Management menu. The Key Management menu is located at the end
of the Network Settings menu and is visible once NTP authentication
is enabled.
The MC1000 supports a maximum of ten keys, each with a different
key ID. Each key can be a maximum of 20 characters. A key ID
consists of a unique number with a value between 1 and 65534.
Once in the Key Management menu, use the up/down arrows to scroll
through the menu options. The descriptions below give more details
of each function:
Key Management
Menu Option
Description Of Function
View Keys Press Enter to view the rst key and key ID pair.
Press Up/Down arrows to scroll through the
remaining key / key ID pairs. Press Enter to exit.
Add a key Press Enter to be prompted to add a new key id.
Press Enter again to be prompted to add a new
key. Press Enter to exit.
Delete a key Press Enter to view key IDs. Select the key ID
to delete using the Up/Down arrows. With the
correct key ID selected, press Enter again to
delete the key and key ID.
Delete all keys Press Enter to delete all keys and key IDs.
Table 8.1 - Authentication Key Management menu options
8.2 - Accessing the Key Management menu
The authentication keys and key IDs can be viewed or adjusted using
the Key Management menu, as shown in the diagram on the following
page.
Does my MC1000 support
NTP authentication?
Software versions prior to
v2.0 do not support NTP
authentication.
Older versions may be
upgraded to add NTP
authentication support by
following the instructions
detailed in section 7.
Note that you will need to
upgrade both the network
software version and the
timing software version to
v2.0 or newer.