IBM Z17 Time Synchronization Resiliency Enhancements
3 days ago
- #IBM Z
- #Time Synchronization
- #NTPv4
- IBM redefines RAS (Resiliency, Availability, Serviceability) to Resiliency, Accuracy, and Security for time synchronization in IBM Z systems.
- IBM Z sysplex relies on precise timing and synchronization for data integrity, using oven-controlled crystal oscillators (OCXOs).
- IBM z17 introduces time synchronization enhancements to improve security and resiliency in parallel sysplex environments.
- Server Time Protocol (STP) has been central to IBM Z time synchronization for the past two decades, maintaining Coordinated Server Time (CST).
- IBM z15 introduced Precision Time Protocol (PTP) as an alternative to Network Time Protocol (NTP) for external synchronization.
- IBM z17 enhances NTP resiliency with NTPv4/Chrony support and Mixed Mode Operation (NTP + PTP), allowing up to five external reference sources.
- NTPv4/Chrony improves accuracy with IPv6 compatibility and hardware timestamping, achieving microsecond accuracy on LANs.
- IBM z17 allows configuration of up to three NTP servers per system, enhancing synchronization accuracy and resiliency.
- Key NTP algorithms include Clock Filter, Select, Cluster, and Combine algorithms to ensure accurate and resilient timekeeping.
- IBM z17's enhancements provide more resilient and accurate time synchronization, crucial for compliance with regulations.