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Network Time System
The Network Time System is an application that synchronizes time across multiple systems within a local enterprise environment or over the internet. Utilizing both TCP and UDP protocols, it ensures accurate timekeeping by acting as a centralized server, distributing precise timestamps to connected devices. This aids in event logging, security audits, and ensuring coordinated operations across distributed environments..
The Network Time System Server typically functions similarly to an NTP (Network Time Protocol) server, facilitating the distribution of synchronized time data to multiple client systems within a network domain. It operates over both TCP and UDP on port 9561, allowing clients flexibility in communication protocols based on network architecture and firewall configurations.
Internally, the system manages timestamps sourced from authoritative external clocks or internal oscillators, then provides this information to clients ensuring that timestamps are consistent across devices. This is crucial for event correlation, transaction ordering, and minimizing clock drift, especially in environments like financial institutions where timing precision is critical.
Deployment scenarios often involve the Network Time System server being connected to an enterprise’s internal network, occasionally with access to internet-based time sources for improved accuracy. The server handles requests from clients periodically or upon client system startup, and may offer authentication mechanisms to ensure authorized usage.