Meinberg LANTIME M250 Compact NTP Time Server

The Meinberg LANTIME M250 is a compact desktop NTP time server for small and medium networks, in a flat 45 mm housing with a backlit two-line display and function keys on the front. It is built to order around the satellite or long-wave receiver you choose and answers up to 25,000 NTP requests per second on its gigabit port, so one unit can serve a plant network, a data room or a SCADA segment.

Technical specifications

Choosing the receiver and power supply

Two decisions define the order. First, the receiver: GNS covers all four satellite systems and suits most sites with a clear antenna position, GPS and GNS-UC use Meinberg’s IF antenna, and the PZF and MSF versions depend on European and British long-wave transmitters, which makes them unsuitable for most Gulf locations. Second, the supply: the standard AC/DC input suits mains or a station battery at 110 V or 220 V, while the 24 V and 24 to 48 V DC variants suit telecom and instrumentation power. Redundant supply combinations are available when the clock must survive the loss of one feed.

Where it fits

The M250 is a practical single-box time source for plant networks that currently rely on drifting server clocks. Distributing one traceable time base lets alarm logs from DCS servers, historians, CCTV recorders and protection relay gateways line up when an incident is investigated. Because it supports SNTP for IEC 61850 devices and NTS for authenticated time, it suits electrical substations as well as office and data-room networks. If the site later needs PTP, IRIG outputs or redundant modules, a modular platform such as the Meinberg LANTIME M1000 modular time server is the natural step, and the Meinberg LANTIME M320/GPS/AD10 NTP time server is another option; related network equipment is listed under industrial communications.

How the Meinberg LANTIME M250 works

The time server takes the exact time from its receiver, which listens to satellites or a long-wave signal. It keeps its own clock in step with that reference. Network devices ask it for the time over NTP, and it replies. All devices then share the same time.

Where the LANTIME M250 is used

• Plant networks
• Data rooms
• SCADA segments
• Small and medium networks
• Substations using IEC 61850 devices

Selection checklist for the LANTIME M250

• Receiver type
• Antenna location
• Number of clients
• Time protocols needed
• Authentication method
• Power supply type
• Redundant supply need
• Management access

Installation, commissioning and maintenance notes for the LANTIME M250

Place the antenna with a clear view of the sky and run the cable to the server. Connect the network port and the power. Set the IP address through the keys or the web interface. Check that the receiver locks and that clients sync. Back up the configuration to USB.

Requesting a quotation for the Meinberg LANTIME M250

Please send the receiver type, the supply voltage and the number of clients. Seven Star LLC serves industrial customers in Oman and the GCC and replies with a quotation based on the information provided.

LANTIME M250 server type

The LANTIME M250 is a compact desktop NTP time server.

LANTIME M250 build

It is built to order around the receiver you choose.

LANTIME M250 request rate

It answers up to 25,000 NTP requests per second.

LANTIME M250 receivers

Receivers include GPS, GNS, GNS-UC, PZF and MSF.

LANTIME M250 network port

It has one 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ45 port.

LANTIME M250 time protocols

It supports NTP v2, v3 and v4 and SNTP v3 and v4.

LANTIME M250 authentication

Authentication uses symmetric keys with MD5, SHA-1 or AES-128-CMAC.

LANTIME M250 management

Management is by web interface, command line and REST API.

LANTIME M250 display

The display is a backlit LC display of 2 x 40 characters.

LANTIME M250 USB port

The rear USB port handles firmware updates and configuration backup.

LANTIME M250 power supply

The standard supply is 100 to 240 V AC.

LANTIME M250 power use

Typical power consumption is 20 W.

LANTIME M250 housing

The desktop housing measures 335 x 45 x 240 mm.

LANTIME M250 temperature

The operating temperature is 0 to 50 degrees C.

Time sync records for the LANTIME M250

Record the receiver lock status, the client count and the alarm events.

Choosing the right LANTIME M250 receiver

Choose the receiver from the satellite systems you can see and the antenna site.

Documents and quotation

The linked document is the Meinberg LANTIME M250 data sheet. Meinberg states that no online manual is available for this model. To receive a quotation, tell us the reference receiver, supply voltage, antenna position and cable length. Seven Star LLC is an independent supplier in Muscat and will confirm the exact configuration before you order.