NTP
Network Time Protocol (NTP) is a protocol used to synchronize clocks across devices in a computer network, ensuring accurate and consistent timekeeping.
NTP enables devices within a network to synchronize their clocks with high precision, leveraging a hierarchical system of time servers and reference clocks. Accurate timekeeping is essential for network logging, authentication, distributed systems, and telecommunications.
NTP operates using a client-server model, with servers organized into strata based on their proximity to authoritative time sources such as atomic clocks or GPS. The protocol compensates for network delays and can use multiple sources for redundancy and reliability, while supporting security features like authentication to prevent spoofing.
Best practices include configuring multiple time sources, monitoring synchronization accuracy, and implementing access controls for security. NTP is foundational for reliable operations in enterprise, cloud, and service provider environments.