What time server should I use.

[busiebeee]

I'm adding a second novell nw5.1 server at our remote site. Before I add this new server to our tree, I need to setup time sync. I've read the pdf file on Network Time Management guide; however, I'm still confuse about the whole situation. Can anyone give me some pointer on what type of time server I should use at both locations.

Thanks,
B

 

[TheLad]

In a multiple server environment, the best policy to use is this:

1) Reference Server - this is the server that is God as far as time synchronisation is concerned. All other server (whether directly or indirectly) will get time from here. You should usually only have one Reference time server and it is usually a good idea to have an external time source such as NTP or a serial clock controlling time on this server.

2) Primary Server(s) - Primary servers get their time from the Reference server. If memory serves, you can have no more than 8 Primary servers

3) Secondary Server(s) - these servers get their time from configured Primary server(s). Any server not the Reference or a Primary should be configure as a Secondary.


Best policy from my point of view is to place the Reference server at your main site. You can then decide depending on your WAN infrastructure where to place your Primary servers. Any other servers get configured as Secondary servers pointing back to their local (or nearest) Primary server. This usually minimalises network traffic and is better for the network and servers. -----------------------------------------------------
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