How to configure the NTP configuration on Ancor server

Product Version: 6.5.0.0

Overview

NTP (Network Time Protocol) is used to synchronize system clocks across devices in a network. Having accurate system time is essential for security, logging, and overall system reliability. NTP involves both client and server programs working together to maintain synchronized time.

This article explains how to configure NTP on the Ancor Server (Ubuntu platform).

Applicable Platform

• On-Premise Deployment

Steps to Configure NTP on Ubuntu

1. Update Package Repositories

Before installing NTP, ensure your repositories are up to date:

sudo apt update -y

2. Install NTP Server

Install the NTP server package using:

sudo apt install ntp -y

Check installation and version:

sntp --version

3. Configure NTP Server Pools

Edit the NTP configuration file /etc/ntp.conf with a text editor:

sudo vim /etc/ntp.conf

Add or update the pool configuration according to your region.

Example (Europe):

pool europe.pool.ntp.org iburst

Common Pool Hostnames:

For more details, refer to: NTP Pool Servers

4. Restart and Verify NTP Service

Restart the NTP service to apply changes:

sudo systemctl restart ntp 
sudo systemctl status ntp

If you are using UFW firewall, allow NTP traffic (UDP port 123):

sudo ufw allow 123/udp 
sudo ufw reload 
sudo ufw status

5. Verify NTP Synchronization

Run the following command to check synchronization:

ntpstat

echo $?

Interpretation of Exit Status:

• 0 – Clock is synchronized
• 1 – Clock is not synchronized
• 2 – Clock state is indeterminate (e.g., ntpd not contactable)

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can successfully configure NTP on Ancor Server (Ubuntu). This ensures that system clocks remain synchronized across your environment, improving consistency, accuracy, and security in system operations.