Time Synchronizing a UNIX-Based PC & Network Time Server

Computer time synchronization is very important in today's networking environments. As an example, 9-1-1 centers require the efficient operation of PCs and call-center related equipment, such as computer aided dispatch (CAD) systems and consoles. These systems run UNIX, often in the background. These include, but are not limited to, hardware available from Cisco, Geac, Hitech, Keystone, Logistics, PRC, Printrak, QED, Tiburon and Unisys. With these types of systems, Master Clocks and Time Servers are used to synchronize the operating system and the CAD vendor's software program synchronizes to the operating system so the entire network is using legally traceable time^®.

This integration guide assists with the time synchronization of a networked PC with a UNIX-based operating system including: UNIX, SCO UNIX, IBM AIX, OSF/1, RSC-6000, Sun Solaris, Linux, System V.4, HPUX 9 and HPUX 10.

The first step to synchronize a UNIX system is to determine if your operating system has NTP built into it. If it does, then it is a simple matter of either enabling the NTP capability or taking advantage of it. Linux Redhat and SCO UNIX are examples of operating systems with native support for NTP.

An example of a freeware NTP daemon is NTP4 (previously known as XNTP4). There is no cost involved in obtaining the software. However, as this is a free software program, there is little or no tech support available for installation and operation of this client software. You must be extremely familiar with UNIX to be able to install this client software because technical support is not readily available. Tech support is only available from newsgroup postings on the Internet.

UNIX time synchronization topics:

NTP4 Software

UNIX Synchronization Through RS-232

UNIX Synchronization Through the Network

A Note about Linux RedHat

Troubleshooting