An NTP server is a network time protocol server used to synchronize computer clocks over an information network. Many of today’s technological systems that contain computer chips often get their time from such NTP servers. Synchronizing with these time servers has many benefits, but it can also have drawbacks. Knowing these pros and cons is important to ensure that a system you are using is up to date with an accurate time.
Pros:
Synchronization with the Internet:
Using an NTP server ensures that time is accurately observed between your devices and the Internet. At present, all our devices are expected to display a constant time with the Internet from one clock to another, which is necessary so that all our technical team can interact correctly with one and the other. The time could vary significantly from one device connected to the Internet to another if it weren’t for the NTP servers.
Full system synchronization:
When all technology within a building or network is synchronized with the same NTP server, the possibility of having multiple schedules configured differently on individual devices is eliminated. NTP servers can send their time information to many computers at once, ensuring that entire systems of buildings, networks, campus, etc. they run at the same time.
Enhanced security:
An NTP server can be internal to a premise. In this situation, a facility can be considered less subject to attack or system hacking. An internal NTP server can eliminate the need for an Internet connection where the entire system becomes vulnerable to cyberattacks and viruses. In a world where cyber attacks are growing exponentially, an NTP time server can be ideal internally.
Cons:
Inactive servers:
Like any website or Internet server, sometimes an NTP network can be blocked or shut down for a period of time. Like most failures, these downtimes are unexpected and their duration can vary. When these servers are down, time data will stop streaming to all devices that may be syncing with them. During this time, those devices may begin to deviate from the correct time and not match the clocks of other devices that used the same server. When having an accurate time is extremely vital to your technology, it may be recommended to use an alternate time source or backup servers to synchronize.
Not all servers guarantee accurate time:
Although most NTP networks are accurate and reliable, not all transmit accurate time data. Errors can occur, whether human or technological. An NTP can run in a different time zone or not adjust for daylight saving time, for example. While NTP servers are very reliable for accuracy, it is important to ensure that the server you use takes into account your time zone and whether or not your location is daylight saving time.
If an NTP server is the route you are looking to take for time synchronization, be sure to keep these pros and cons in mind. NTP networks are a common and respected source of time, regardless of some of their drawbacks. This is a great option when used with the correct application. For a reliable and safe alternative to keeping time, consider using an NTP as your source of daily time for technical equipment.