System time synchronization for CX2020

[maj9bj]

I would like to know how to correctly synchronize system time at CX2020 PLC. If I set the time server in Windows time option and I press the update button the time is synchronized, but automatic synchronization after some time period does not work.

I also found time client settings instructions in OES help file, but there are two problems there. Mentioned batch files for start time client (SetTimeClientParam.bat, ReSyncTime.bat ) are not present at target system and if I manually configure w32tm service, it does not run after reboot.

In object browser I see Nexeed Time Client also exist, but I do not know if I can use it instead of Windows solution.

Update: I tried to install TimeClient Addon and it works fine.

So, the question is, how to correctly sync time for CX2020?

[maj9bj]

Hello Steffen,

few days ago I was trying to implement TimeClientAddon because of reasons you described in point 1. Later I figured out there is no Nexeed time server installed on server side and I received two information.

1. Local ITM partner told me standard Time server should be used instead of Nexeed time server, because of some network security reasons. But I do not understand it, because Nexeed time server is usually installed on MES server, which has access to SL4 zone.
2. One guy from MES team told me Nexeed time server is obsolete service.

Please can you comment on that? For example, I need to know that there are Bosch sites where the Nexeed time server solution is commonly used.

[SteffenR-]

The Nexeed Time Server ("OpCon Time Server") which is necessary for the NexeedTimeClientAddon is a very old software available on the MES release server Bosch-internally:
BCI\Products\MES\AppInternal\OpConInternal\Tools-3rdParty\TimeServer

This software has no official support anymore and as far as I know unsupported software may not be used in Bosch network zones except SL4. But the MES server is not just running in SL4 and that's why you cannot use the time server without special approval.