2.14 Configuring NTP
Network Time Protocol (NTP) and Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP) are client-server protocols
that are used to synchronize time on IP networks. NTP provides greater accuracy and better
error checking capabilities than SNTP does, but requires more resources.
For many applications, it is not necessary to modify the NTP factory default configuration set-
tings. It is possible, however, to change most of the settings in order to support specific NTP
applications which may require a non-standard configuration:
These features include the ability to use either MD5 authentication or NTP Autokey, to block
NTP access to parts of the network and to broadcast NTP data to the network’s broadcast
address. NTP and SNTP are used to synchronize time on any computer equipment compatible
with the Network Time Protocol. This includes Cisco routers and switches, UNIX machines, and
Windows machines with suitable clients. To synchronize a single workstation, several freeware
or shareware NTP clients are available on the Internet. The software running on the PC determ-
ines whether NTP or SNTP is used.
When the NTP service is enabled, SecureSync will “listen” for NTP request messages from NTP
clients on the network. When an NTP request packet is received, SecureSync will send an NTP
response time packet to the requesting client. Under typical conditions, SecureSync can service
several thousand NTP requests per second without MD5 authentication enabled, and at a some-
what lower rate with MD5 authentication enabled.
You can either enable or completely disable the NTP Service. When NTP is disabled, no NTP
time packets will be sent out to the network. When enabled, by default, the NTP Service oper-
ates in Unicast mode, i.e. the NTP Service responds to NTP requests only.
Note: In order to configure NTP, you need to access the NTP Setup screen which
requires ADMINISTRATORrights.
2.14.1 Checklist NTP Configuration
The following is a list of configuration settings you may want to consider as you setup your NTP
Service. (Not all items may apply to your application, or there may be other considerations not
included in this list.)
1.
Did you setup your NTP Service and have it use the right Reference(s)?
See "NTP Reference Configuration" on page102.
2.
Does your NTP Service use the right Timescale?
See "NTP Output Timescale" on page100.
3.
If required, have you setup other NTP Servers and Peers for fallback purposes?
See "NTP Peers: Adding, Configuring, Removing" on page109.
2.14.2 The NTP Setup Screen
The NTP Setup screen provides access to all NTP configuration settings.
2.14 Configuring NTP
CHAPTER 2 • SecureSync User Reference Guide Rev. 26
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