Learn How To Fix NTP Offset Failure

NTP servers are able to harmonize their times with the references (usually GPS satellites) that they are connected to, but they can still end up out of sync in certain situations. An NTP offset failure is an example of this and occurs when the server’s time passes a certain difference threshold in relation to the reference that it is using. Put more simply, this failure means that your server does not have accurate time. The solutions to this problem can vary depending on its causes, and we’ll discuss them here. Learn how to fix NTP offset failure in this post to have your server working faultlessly once again.

GPS Lock

In order to begin receiving time information, your NTP server must lock onto GPS satellites. Sometimes, though, your server may have problems carrying this out and will thus be unable to maintain accurate time. Should this occur, it is likely that its current location may be hindering its ability to connect with the satellites. Troubleshoot by moving the server to an outdoor location, next to a window, and back at its original position in your building. At each point, check to see if it is able to establish a GPS lock. If you find that it works fine when outside or near an opening, you know that the issue is a result of where you placed it. However, if the failure persists everywhere, you should check your server and cables for damage or malfunctioning

Dealing with External Issues

While GPS lock problems are large, some issues that lead to offset failure can be more subtle. The computers that are connected to your time server may pass the normal offset level when you run a program that is taxing on your network, when someone changes the time on the systems, or when you are simultaneously running a second-time synchronization software. In each of these instances, the complications are external ones that ntpd, which is a program that automatically adjusts time to maintain synchronization, can’t correct. You’ll need to identify whether you find yourself in any of the listed circumstances and address them accordingly. Undoing a time change and shutting off certain programs may resolve the offset failure.

Returning to Default Settings

You also have the option of returning your time server to its default settings to fix an NTP offset failure. For the GPS NTP network time server that we supply at Time Machines, this isn’t too complicated. You just need to unscrew the front panel and locate the jumper J8 inside. From there, you shift J8 to the “A” position, transmit some electricity to it for a few seconds, then put it back in its initial “B” position. This will reset your server to its factory state, and you can set it up once again to provide your network with precise time.