SNTP Unicast

SNTP synchronizes a computer's system time with a server that has already been synchronized by a source such as a satellite receiver or modem. SNTP supports unicast, multicast and anycast operating modes. In unicast mode, the client sends a request to a dedicated server by referencing its unicast address. Up to 16 Unicast SNTP servers can be configured.

Note

The Main Clock Source (SNTP Servers) System Time must be enable for SNTP Client Unicast to operate.

To add a Unicast SNTP server, follow these steps:

Procedure

Step 1

Click Administration > Time Settings > SNTP Unicast.

Step 2

Configure the following fields:

SNTP Client Unicast

Select Enable to enable the device to use SNTP-predefined Unicast clients with Unicast SNTP servers.

IPv4 Source Interface

Select the IPv4 interface from the drop-down list used for communication with the SNTP server.

IPv6 Source Interface

Select the IPv6 interface from the drop-down list used for communication with the SNTP server.

Note

If the Auto option is selected, the system takes the source IP address from the IP address defined on the outgoing interface.

This page displays the following information for each Unicast SNTP server:

  • SNTP Server—SNTP server IP address. The preferred server, or hostname, is chosen according to its stratum level.

  • Poll Interval—Displays whether polling is enabled or disabled.

  • Authentication Key ID—Key Identification used to communicate between the SNTP server and device.

  • Stratum Level—Distance from the reference clock expressed as a numerical value. An SNTP server cannot be the primary server (stratum level 1) unless polling interval is enabled.

  • Status—SNTP server status. The possible values are:

    • Up—SNTP server is currently operating normally

    • Down—SNTP server is currently not available.

    • Unknown—SNTP server status is unknown.

    • In Process—Connection to SNTP server currently in process.

  • Last Response—Last date and time a response was received from this SNTP server.

  • Offset—Estimated offset of the server's clock relative to the local clock, in milliseconds. The host determines the value of this offset using the algorithm described in RFC 2030.

  • Delay—Estimated round-trip delay of the server's clock relative to the local clock over the network path between them, in milliseconds. The host determines the value of this delay using the algorithm described in RFC 2030.

  • Source—How the SNTP server was defined, for example: manually or from DHCPv6 server.

  • Interface—Interface on which packets are received.

Step 3

Click Add to add a Unicast SNTP server.

Note

To remove all user-defined SNTP servers, click Restore Default Servers.

Step 4

Enter the following parameters:

Server Definition

Select the SNTP server to be identified by its IP address or by name from the list.

IP Version

Select the version of the IP address: Version 6 or Version 4.

IPv6 Address Type

Select the IPv6 address type (if IPv6 is used). The options are:

  • Link Local—The IPv6 address uniquely identifies hosts on a single network link. A link local address has a prefix of FE80, isn’t routable, and can be used for communication only on the local network. Only one link local address is supported. If a link local address exists on the interface, this entry replaces the address in the configuration.

  • Global—The IPv6 address is a global Unicast IPV6 type that is visible and reachable from other networks.

Link Local Interface

Select the link local interface (if IPv6 Address Type Link Local is selected) from the list.

SNTP Server IP Address/Name

Enter the SNTP server IP address or name. The format depends on which address type was selected.

Poll Interval

Select to enable polling of the SNTP server for system time information. All NTP servers that are registered for polling are polled, and the clock is selected from the server with the lowest stratum level that is reachable. The server with the lowest stratum is considered to be the primary server. The server with the next lowest stratum is a secondary server, and so forth. If the primary server is down, the device polls all servers with the polling setting enabled, and selects a new primary server with the lowest stratum.

Authentication

Select the check box to enable authentication.

Authentication Key ID

If authentication is enabled, select the value of the key ID.

Step 5

Click Apply. The STNP server is added, and you are returned to the main page.