Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP) Authentication Configuration on ESW2-550X Switch

Objective

Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP) is an adaptation of the Network Time Protocol (NTP) that is used to synchronize computer clocks on the Internet. It is important for devices that are networked together to have synchronized time so they can efficiently perform real time actions with each other. To do this, an SNTP server must be added to the switch and an SNTP authentication key must be configured. An authentication key allows for a device to synchronize itself with an SNTP server. After a key has been created, it has to be bound to at least one relevant SNTP server to be authenticated. This article explains how to configure SNTP authentication on the ESW2-550X switches.

Applicable Devices

• ESW2-550X-48DC-R
• ESW2-550X-48-R

Software Version

• v1.2.9.44

SNTP Authentication

Step 1. Log in to web configuration utility and choose Administration > Time Settings > SNTP Authentication. The SNTP Authentication page opens:

Step 2. Check the Enable check box in the SNTP Authentication field to require authentication of an SNTP session between the switch and an SNTP server.

Step 3. Click Apply.

Add SNTP Authentication

Step 1. Click Add to add an authentication key. The Add SNTP Authentication window appears.

Step 2. Enter the number that is used to identify the SNTP Authentication key internally in the Authentication Key ID field.

Step 3. Click the radio button that corresponds to the desired key type in the Authentication Key field. The SNTP server must send this key for the switch to synchronize to it.

• User Defined (Encrypted) — Enter the key in the encrypted format.

• User Defined (Plaintext) — Enter the key in the plain text format.

Step 4. Check the Enable check box in the Trusted Key field to allow the switch to receive synchronization information from only an SNTP server that uses the defined authentication key.

Step 5. Click Apply. The SNTP authentication key is configured. 

Edit SNTP Authentication

Step 1. Check the check box for the required configuration that you want to configure and then click Edit. The Edit SNTP Authentication window appears.

Step 2. Choose the Authentication Key ID from the Authentication Key ID field drop down list that you want to configure.

Step 3. Click the radio button that corresponds to the desired key type in the Authentication Key field. The SNTP server must send this key for the switch to synchronize to it.

• User Defined (Encrypted) — Enter the key in the encrypted format.

• User Defined (Plaintext) — Enter the key in the plain text format.

Step 4. Check Enable in the Trusted Key field to allow the switch to receive synchronization information from only an SNTP server that uses the defined authentication key.

Step 5. Click Apply. The SNTP authentication key is configured and displays the edited SNTP Authentication configuration.

Delete SNTP Authentication

Step 1. Check the check box for the required configuration that you want to delete and then click Delete button. The configuration is removed and the SNTP Authentication page opens again.