NTP Sync Enhancement

Zyxel_Claudia

Network Time Protocol (NTP) synchronization is critical for ensuring accurate time settings across network devices. Accurate timekeeping is essential for various network functions, including logging, security, and event tracking.

Background

In some regions, users encountered problems synchronizing their device time using the standard NTP pool servers (e.g., 0.pool.ntp.org, 1.pool.ntp.org, 2.pool.ntp.org). In the Philippines, specific ISPs blocked access to these NTP pool domains, preventing devices from synchronizing their time accurately.

Enhancement in Nebula 18.10

To mitigate this issue, Zyxel Networks has introduced additional NTP server options in Nebula 18.10. This enhancement ensures that devices can synchronize time even if access to the primary NTP pool servers is restricted.

New NTP Server Options

1. Primary NTP Pool Servers:
   • 0.pool.ntp.org
   • 1.pool.ntp.org
   • 2.pool.ntp.org
2. Backup NTP Servers:
   • Windows NTP Server: time.windows.com
   • Apple NTP Server: time.apple.com
   • Cloudflare NTP Server: time.cloudflare.com

Implementation

With this enhancement, devices will attempt to synchronize time using the primary NTP pool servers first. If access to these servers is blocked, the devices will automatically fall back to the backup servers:

Conclusion

The NTP Sync enhancement in Nebula 18.10 demonstrates ensuring that time synchronization remains accurate and dependable across various network environments.