240 Managing General System Settings
The switch can obtain the time from a Simple Network Time Protocol 
(SNTP) server, or you can set the time manually. Table 12-2 describes the 
settings that help the switch keep track of time.
Why Does System Information Need to Be Configured?
Configuring system information is optional. However, it can be helpful in 
providing administrative information about the switch. For example, if you 
manage several standalone PowerConnect 8000/8100-series switches and have 
Telnet sessions open with several different switches, the system name can 
help you quickly identify the switch because the host name replaces 
console as the CLI command prompt. 
The Banner can provide information about the switch status. For example, if 
multiple users connect to the switch, the message of the day (MOTD) banner 
might alert everyone who connects to the switch about a scheduled switch 
image upgrade.
Table 12-2. Time Settings
Feature Description
SNTP Controls whether the switch obtains its system time 
from an SNTP server and whether communication 
with the SNTP server requires authentication and 
encryption. You can configure information for up to 
eight SNTP servers. The SNTP client on the switch can 
accept updates from both IPv4 and IPv6 SNTP servers.
Real time clock (RTC) If SNTP is disabled, you can manually enter the system 
time and date.
Time Zone Allows you to specify the offset from Coordinated 
Universal Time (UTC), which is also known as 
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Summer Time In some regions, the time shifts by one hour in the fall 
and spring. In the United States, this is called daylight 
saving time.