What is Network Time Protocol?
Network Time Protocol, or NTP as it’s commonly referred, is a protocol for synchronizing the clocks of computer systems over packet-switched networks. At the top of any NTP hierarchy are one or more reference clocks. These are electronic clocks which synchronize to an accurate common time reference, such as GPS (Global Positioning System). NTP uses the UDP port 123 as its transport layer, which is designed to resist the effects of variable latency such as jitter. Large computers and workstations often include NTP software within their operating systems, but commonly look to third parties to provide a standard, accurate and legally traceable, reference time. Why is timing and synchronization important? For companies that need to ensure Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are met, it is necessary for their communications systems to be in sync with one another to ensure time discrepancies do not occur. Aside from choosing to operate more effectively, some organizations are obligated by law to
