How To Synchronize an NTP Clock

NTP, or Network Time Protocol, is a system that harmonizes the time that multiple clocks and other connected devices keep track of and display. Devices that use NTP communicate either over the Internet or through a local area network (LAN) in order to match one another. As a whole, the network bases its time on a highly accurate server that receives time information via a Global Positioning System (GPS) or an atomic clock. With NTP clocks, your organization or business can thus provide precise time for people to reference as they go about their tasks. NTP can also make it easier to track computer activity when problems arise since you can see exactly when digital events occurred. If you’re planning on instituting NTP at your workplace, you will find this brief walkthrough about how to synchronize an NTP clock useful.

Set Up an NTP Server

Though your network can reference a time source online, this can introduce more variability to the time you have on your devices. Put simply, you may lose some time accuracy. You can use a GPS-based server instead so that your time is more correct. To set up the TimeMachines GPS NTP server, you start by attaching the power supply and antenna to its main body. On any computer that is a part of your network, you can enter an internet browser and type in the server’s IP address. Preferably, you should use either Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. This will bring up a webpage where you can adjust the settings and link the server to your network.

Connect the NTP Clock

Understanding how to synchronize an NTP clock is just a simple as the server setup. There are two types of clocks to choose from: PoE (Power over Ethernet) and Wi-Fi clocks. PoE NTP clocks receive their data and electrical power from Ethernet cables. You must connect the TimeMachines PoE clock to your network with an Ethernet cord and then turn it on to begin synchronizing it. Once you have activated the device, press the button on the back. This will cause it to show you its IP address on its front display. Input the address in your internet browser. From there, you can select what NTP server to reference and your local time zone on the web-based interface that appears on the browser. With this done, your clock will be synchronized with the server.

Wi-fi NTP clocks operate using radio waves rather than physical cords. The process for connecting a TimeMachines Wi-Fi clock is almost identical to that of a PoE clock, as the Wi-Fi clock needs an Ethernet cable to link with your network when you initially set it up. After following the same procedure explained above, though, you must enter the SSID, security type, and AP password for your Wi-Fi in the webpage interface so that you can remove the cable.

You can find the GPS NTP server and both versions of the NTP clocks on the TimeMachines website. Visit us online today and contact us by phone or email if you have any questions.