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Level 01f
Time synchronization
Synchronized time is possible with a zEC12 in a Sysplex environment using Server Time Protocol (STP).
STP supports Coordinated Timing Networks (CTNs) where the zEC12s in the network are configured to
be in STP timing mode.
Server Time Protocol (STP)
Server Time Protocol (FC 1021) requires no special cables to create timing links with other servers.
Depending on the distance between servers in a timing network, you may use ISC-3 or InfiniBand fiber
optic cables to create the Sysplex. STP can be installed on zEC12, zBC12, z196, z114, z10 EC, z10 BC, z9
EC, z9 BC, z990, z890, and Coupling Facility servers. z9 EC, z9 BC, z990, z890, z900 and z800 servers
cannot participate in a Sysplex or the same Coordinated Timing Network (CTN) with zEC12.
Pulse per second
An STP CTN has the capability of configuring as its time source a Network Time Protocol (NTP) time
server that has a pulse per second (PPS) output signal. This type of external time device is available
worldwide from several vendors that provide network timing solutions. Typically, the NTP output of the
time server is connected to the Support Element (SE) LAN because the NTP client runs on the Support
Element. The PPS output of the NTP time server is connected to the PPS input coaxial connector
provided on the PPS/FSP card of the zEC12.
Note that pulse per second is only available for zEC12, zBC12, z196, z114, System z10, or System z9.
Connectivity information
The cable for pulse per second is coaxial. You are responsible for supplying these cables.
PPS/FSP location
The following illustration shows the location of the PPS/FSP cards in the zEC12.
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Chapter 8. I/O cabling and connectivity
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