Question abaut NTP

[MQ'ski]

Hello.
Please let me know if NTPDATE_SERVER parameter should be always set in netdaemons file.
My question is related to another question.
What if NTPDATE_SERVER is not accidentaly available during system boot.

[Pete Randall · Accepted solution]

Marcin,

No, NTPDATE_SERVER does not have to be set. My systems run NTP without having it set.


Pete

[James R. Ferguson]

Hi:

This variable estalishes the time source for setting your local clock during startup. The idea is that 'ntpdate' runs to set the clock to an accurate time before applications are started. The change in the clock value may be fairly large but that is immaterial since your applications have yet to be started. Thereafter, 'ntpd' runs to continuously make any necessary *small* clock adjustments.

Should your time source not be available, 'ntpdate' will fail to make an adjustment. Thereafter, unless the 'ntpd' daemon finds a time difference of greater than about 1000 seconds, it will gradually correct the time. In the absence of an 'ntpdate' step, this adjustment may take many, many hours, or step in one jump when applications may be more sensitive. This depends on the way 'ntpd' is configured (step or slew).

Regards!

...JRF...