4.4 Synopsis

The following table summarizes which lines should to be added to the ntp.conf file in each scenario. This file is located in sys:\etc\ntp.conf.

Table 4-2 Synopsis

Configuration Type

Time Provider

Time Consumer

Best-Suited Scenario

Manual configuration for client-server mode

 
server IP_address_of_time_provider prefer

server IP_address_of_time_provider prefer

  • Fewer than 15 servers

  • In the same geographical location

Manual configuration for self-synchronization

 
server 127.127.1.0 prefer

fudge 127.127.1.0 stratum 3

N/A

N/A

Auto configuration for broadcast

 
broadcast subnet_broadcast_address key key_ID

broadcastclient subnet_broadcast_address

  • Time provider changes frequently

  • Time provider is unknown

Auto configuration for multicast

 
broadcast 224.0.1.1 key key_ID

multicastclient

  • Time provider changes frequently

  • Time provider is unknown

  • Generates less traffic when compared to broadcast

Wide area configuration for peer mode or a combination of more than one mode with fault tolerance

 
server IP_address_of_external_time_source 

peer IP_address_of_peer 

server 127.127.1.0

fudge 127.127.1.0 stratum 3

Either manual or auto type can be used:

server IP_address_of_time_provider1_within_same_network

server IP_address_of_time_provider_2_within_same_network

or

broadcastclient subnet_broadcast_address

  • Servers span across geographical locations.

  • Servers are synchronized in a combination of more than one mode.

  • Need for fault tolerance and minimizing network traffic.