Networking DocuClock

The timeserver gets its time periodically from the Atomic Clock. Individual DocuClocks get their time from the timeserver. Everything happens automatically in the background and uses the existing LAN hardware and system software.

DocuClock in a Networked Environment

In the diagram, ClockWatch Server is  servicing the time requests from workstations running ClockWatch Client. ClockWatch Server also keeps the computer it is running on set to the correct time by accessing an external timeserver over the Internet. The trader's applications use the correct time maintained by ClockWatch Client. The DocuClock time stampers provide precise time stamps on order slips.

• ClockWatch Server is installed as an application (or as a background service) on the computer which acts as the enterprise-wide timeserver. This timeserver can be any PC on the network and can be continued to be used as a regular PC.
• ClockWatch Server is listening on the LAN / WAN for client requests.
• ClockWatch Server makes periodic calls to the NIST to keep the time accurate on the computer it is running on. To make the connection it uses the native Internet connection or dials the NIST directly over the phone line.
• Independently, a workstation running ClockWatch Client can synchronize to standard time from Server over the LAN or WAN using the sockets protocol.
• Server responds to each client with correct time, logging client request.
• Since clients don't need to talk to timeservers on the Internet, traffic is reduced and the integrity of corporate firewalls is maintained.
• Client adjusts time for time zone (usually the Eastern time zone for trading) and sets internal clock to correct time, logging the time change. The time setting log can reside on the client workstation or can be stored in a central network directory. More...
• Every time an order slip is printed, it gets the exact time from the client computer.

Required Components

• DocuClock Serial or DocuClock Parallel time stamper with free ClockWatch Client conversion option.
• ClockWatch Server software.
• Existing LAN or WAN