Let’s uncover what is NTP by exploring its feature and functionality. Time synchronization is of utmost importance for modern computer networks, as various network management, security, planning, and debugging techniques require accurate time measurement for determining the timing of events. The task of safeguarding precise time can be difficult due to the tendency of a computer’s clock to deviate by a few seconds or minutes on a daily basis.
Each computer is equipped with a hardware clock that is responsible for keeping track of the current time. However, its accuracy is compromised by the phenomenon of clock frequency drift. The Network Time Protocol (NTP) is a popular protocol utilized for time synchronization. Numerous individuals employ NTP software to synchronize their devices with NTP servers to resolve issues related to time synchronization. It is utilized by various network devices such as servers, switches, routers, and computers to synchronize time across the network.
Before getting into more details, let’s first understand “What is NTP“.
What is NTP (Network Time Protocol)?
As the most used protocol for synchronizing clocks over networks, NTP is ideal for distributed computing environments. One of the most critical needs of every organization is tracking time accurately. It’s a technique for synchronizing clocks that is utilized to solve the problem of pinpoint accuracy. It’s a protocol for keeping computers in various parts of the world over the internet in sync with each other’s clocks.
NTP is more than just a protocol; it’s a whole system that allows precise synchronization of time over public and private networks. The main goal of NTP is to have all of the network computers within a millisecond or two of Coordinated Universal Time. It’s really precise and reliable.
Now we have a basic understanding of What is NTP, now let’s further understand the working of NTP.
How NTP works?
The Network Time Protocol consists mainly of three components:
The NTP software program is commonly referred to as a daemon in Unix systems and a service in Windows operating systems.
The protocol responsible for the exchange of time values between servers and clients.
A collection of algorithms that manipulate time values in order to either accelerate or decelerate the system clock.
An NTP client refers to a system that aims to align its clock with that of a server, while an NTP server refers to the system that sends back a response in terms of true time.
The size of a timestamp is 64 bits, with 32 bits allocated for the number of seconds and an additional 32 bits allocated for the fraction of seconds. When a client initiates a packet, as mentioned above, the client sends the request with the timestamp.
So, it means we consider our time as the wrong time and server time as the true time. Due to an incorrect time setting, the client must adjust their timing based on the response provided by the NTP server.
Now let’s understand with an example –
Let’s assume a client sends the request at the wrong time, i.e. (assuming T1 = 50 sec)
The server gets the request, let’s assume at T2 = 80 sec because of some internet connectivity issues.
The server might get busy at the time of sending back the accurate time, so it sends back the request to the client at a time T3; let’s say T3 = 90 sec.
The client receives the time from the server; let’s assume at T4 = 70 sec.
At this point, the client has estimated the elapsed time it took for the server’s answer to reach the client as:
10 / 2 = 5 seconds (We divided by 2 as it is a two-way communication).
Now, the client adds 5 seconds to the time when the server sends the accurate time, i.e., T3 (90 + 5 = 95).
Now to calculate the delay, the client now knows he has to subtract the time at which he gets the response from the server and the time at which the server sends the response, i.e., T3 – T4 = 95 – 70 = 25.
Hence 25 is the delay that the client faces. So, the client will add 25 seconds to its clock.
That’s how NTP is calculated manually.
To understand Network Time Protocol better, one should also have knowledge of Stratum Levels. Let’s understand what Stratum levels are.
What are Stratum Levels?
Stratum levels are the separation degrees of UTC that follow a strict hierarchy.
Stratum 0: Stratum 0 is Earth’s primary source time reference, which obtains accurate UTC through a special satellite network. Because of this, clocks in stratum 0 are considered to be the standard by which all other clocks are measured. The GPS Clock and the Atomic Clock are two such examples.
Stratum 1: Stratum 1 devices and systems must be connected directly to Stratum 0 for an accurate time. It is also known as the main server.
Stratum 2: The second layer of time servers relies on Stratum 1 for accurate time.
Stratum 3: These computers are connected to servers in Stratum 2, where they may get accurate time.
Accuracy in determining the current time decreases as one moves down the NTP hierarchy. There are a total of 16 levels in the NTP hierarchy, with Level 16 denoting a device that is not synced.
Why is NTP Important?
Here are a few points discussing the importance of Network Time Protocol –
Security: To prevent crime and fight it if it occurs, the security systems depend on synchronized time. For example, devices like security cameras record events in real-time as their work is based on time stamps, which makes it much easier to follow the evidence and solve any crime. Therefore, we can say for optimal security, time synchronization is one of the valuable assets.
Log Timestamps: Software applications like files are time-stamped for warranties and guarantees. They also have expiration dates and updated calendars based on when they are installed on a computer. These encoded instructions in the applications are followed and that is ensured by the Synchronized time. This guideline also applies to automatic file system updates and bug fixes designed due to the maintenance that can occur across a network of computers at a fixed time.
Orderliness in Time-Dependent Operations: Projects with procedures are by their very nature ones that must be completed in a certain order. There’s a chance that some or all of the steps are time-sensitive, thus when the processes are divided among several team members working on the same project, synchronized timing is important for success.
Messaging and Telecommunications: In elements such as emails, SMS, and delivery reports, time stamps are highly relevant depending on the circumstance. Network Time Protocol is very much used in telecommunication and broadcasting frameworks.
Troubleshooting: In troubleshooting network problems, NTP and time synchronization are highly useful.
Imparts Accuracy and Precision: For precision and accuracy, some medical procedures are timed and use timed medical equipment. And, we can say that the difference between life and death could be the presence or absence of synchronized time.
Time Value in the Real World: While the Network Time Protocol is not directly responsible for regional time zones, synchronized time is why regional clocks can work with respect to the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). For instance, the local time in Tokyo and Lagos are not the same. On the other hand, synchronized time is functional, thus we can maintain accurate time differences in regions.
Traffic Control: To prevent collision accidents in delicate infrastructure like trains or air traffic, control is highly dependent on synchronized time. By giving instructions from air traffic control towers to land planes safely.
Analysis and Auditing: With the intervention of synchronized time, it is only possible to carry out credible auditing or forensic analysis of any kind.
Accurate Time: Automatic time synchronization makes things easier for many device users since there are very less proficient to manually configure their time settings to precisely and accurately reflect true time.
Features of NTP
Here are some of the most fundamental features of the network time protocol:
NTP offers a reference clock that serves as the standard against which all other synchronization activities are measured. This time or clock serves as the standard by which all others are organized. Since its inception, this function has been served by the coordinated universal time (UTC), which is widely recognized as the global time reference.
NTP is a technology for synchronization that will automatically seek reliable time servers. Error accumulation in synchronization may be mitigated by combining data from many sources. Network time protocols attempt to identify and discard time sources that consistently provide wildly off values.
In other words, NTP can be easily scalable. There might be a large number of reference clocks in each synchronization network. Additionally, each network node may broadcast time information in both directions (point-to-point) or in a single direction only (hierarchical).
It’s safe to rely on NTP. By picking the most suitable candidate for synchronization, it is possible to get results with a precision of up to one millisecond.
When a network’s connection not working properly, Network Time Protocol may help by using past data to correct the time or account for a time difference.
These are some of the features of Network Time Protocol.
Applications of NTP
Here are some applications of Network Time Protocol:
It can be used in a production system where the live sound is recorded.
It is used for developing the Broadcasting infrastructures.
It is used where file system updates are needed to be carried out depending on synchronized clock times across multiple computers.
It is used to implement security mechanisms that depend on consistent timekeeping over the network.
It is used in network acceleration systems which rely on timestamp accuracy to calculate performance.
Advantages of Network Time Protocol
he Advantages of NTP are:
Internet synchronization is possible between the devices.
The security is enhanced.
NTP get used in authentication systems just like Kerberos.
It provides Network Acceleration.
It get used in file systems having complex network synchronization.
Disadvantages of Network Time Protocol
The disadvantages of NTP are:
When there is a down server situation, sync time is affected across a running time.
Due to diverse active time zones, servers are prone to show errors.
In time accuracy, there is a minimal drop.
When NTP packets increase, synchronization gets conflicted.
Manipulation can happen more often.
These are the advantages and disadvantages of Network Time Protocol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 – What is the NTP protocol?
NTP stands for Network time protocol used to synchronize different machines’ time. By providing a standardized method for clock synchronization, NTP enables seamless coordination and consistency across networked systems.
NTP uses UDP protocol and uses port 123 for communication via messages between the client and the server. NTP utilizes UDP as its transport protocol due to its low latency and simplicity, making it suitable for time synchronization purposes.
Q3 – What is an example of an NTP server?
ntp.pool.org is the best example of an NTP server.
Q4 – Why do we use NTP?
NTP is important because it ensures that all devices on a network have the same accurate time, which is essential for many applications and services that rely on timestamps, such as logging, encryption, authentication, and scheduling.
Conclusion
In this blog, we have covered what is NTP, its working, and its features. Network Time Protocol is a vital protocol for synchronizing the clocks of computers over a network. It has been in operation since 1985 and is one of the oldest Internet protocols in current use. NTP uses a hierarchical system of time sources and servers to provide accurate and consistent timekeeping for various applications. NTP can also enhance security, network acceleration, and file system updates that depend on precise timestamps. We hope you liked the information provided here. If you are looking to learn “What is NTP?” in detail, then you can join PyNet Labs’ CCNA Training.
