NTP Synchronization

# Overview

Skylight performance elements support the use of a Network Time Protocol (NTP) server for unit synchronization.

Example 1: One NID and One NODE Synchronized with an NTP Server

In this example, Skylight element: 10GE (NODE) and Skylight element: TE (NID) are individually synchronized with an NTP server, assuming that a reliable NTP reference is available in the network.

Set up the NODE and NID so that one port of each unit is connected to the NTP server. If the port connected to the NTP server is a network port or the management port, configure a logical interface on this port so it becomes part of the NTP server’s network. If the NTP server is located outside of the unit’s network, you can define a route to access the NTP server.

The following figure illustrates this example:

Configure the Interface or Add a Route to Each Unit (Optional)

For both the NODE and the NID, if the port connected to the NTP server is a network port or the management port, configure a logical interface on this port so that it becomes part of the NTP server’s network.

If you are using a manual configuration, assign a specific address to each unit. Since the NTP server’s IP address is 192.168.1.10, you can assign the IP address 192.168.1.1 to the NODE and 192.168.1.2 to the NID.

To configure the interface

1. Access System ▶ Configuration ▶ Interface.

2. Click Add to create a new interface.

3. If using Manual Configuration, configure the IP parameters for this interface.

4. Complete the required fields, then click Apply.

Configure the NODE and NID for NTP Synchronization

Individually configure both the NODE and then the NID to synchronize with an NTP server.

To configure the NODE and NID for NTP synchronization

1. Access System ▶ Configuration ▶ Time.

2. Select the NTP enable option.

3. Verify whether the NTP server you want to use is listed. If not listed, add a new server; specify its name or IP address in the NTP Server box, then click Add.
   

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   Note: If you use NTP server names, you must define a DNS server in System ▶ Configuration ▶ DNS. This will enable the unit to communicate with the server.

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4. Enable the High Resolution Sync option, then click Apply.

Example 2: One NODE Synchronized with NTP and Configured as an NTP Server for a NID

In this example, the NODE is both synchronized with a PTP server and configured as an NTP server. The NID is synchronized with the NODE NTP server.

The following figure illustrates this example:

The first part of this example involves synchronizing the NODE with an NTP server, as explained in Example 1: One NID and One NODE Synchronized with an NTP Server.

Once the NODE has been synchronized, it must then be configured as an NTP server. Once again, you may need to add a logical interface so the NID's NTP client becomes part of the network where the NODE's NTP server resides.

To configure One NODE Synchronized with NTP and Configured as an NTP Server for a NID

1. Access System ▶ Configuration ▶ Time on the NODE.

2. Select the NTP server enable option, then click Apply.

3. Access System ▶ Configuration ▶ Time on the NID.

4. Select the NTP enable option.

5. Verify whether the NTP server you want to use is listed. If not listed, add a new server; specify its name or IP address in the NTP Server box, then click Add.

6. Select a time server from the NTP Server List box, then click Apply.