University of Ulster

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ELEMENT NAME DESCRIPTION

Major Service
Desk Category

Networking

Service Name

Network Time Services

Service Description
(including technical
requirements/Specifications)

What is NTP?

Network Time Protocol (NTP) is an Internet protocol used to synchronise computer clocks to the agreed standard of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) or Co-ordinated University Time (UTC)

Why should I use NTP?

Accurate time across a network is required for a number of reasons. It allows different servers and systems in a distributed environment to keep all computer clocks in step. This allows for security logs and file systems to be kept synchronised. This makes the information in mail headers, security logs and directory systems more useful.

How does UU synchronise NTP?

The University provides a stable time reference by peering its campus routers with the JANET Network Time Service. The result is that clock settings across the network are very closely synchronised and as multiple routers and sources are used a resilient service is guaranteed.

What should system administrators do?

System administrators on all campuses should configure their systems to use the following NTP sources:

  • Jordanstown/Belfast - clockj.ulster.ac.uk
  • Coleraine - clockc.ulster.ac.uk
  •  Magee - clockm.ulster.ac.uk

Service Owner

Network Team

Business Process
(from a user perspective)

 

Supporting Materials

 

How to obtain help

Contact the ISD Service Desk:

Email: servicedesk@ulster.ac.uk 

Telephone: internal 66777

 external: 02890366777

Cost (where applicable)

 

Service Metrics (KPI/SLA statement)

 

Who can avail of the service?

Any staff or postgraduate student working for the University

Keywords

NTP

Network Time Protocol