Understanding NTP Tolerance: How Accurate Is Network Time Protocol?

Learn about the accuracy and tolerance of NTP (Network Time Protocol) for clock synchronization in networks.

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NTP (Network Time Protocol) can synchronize clocks within a few milliseconds over the internet and even more accurately on local networks. However, various factors like network congestion and server distance can affect this accuracy. Typically, you can expect tolerances around 1-50 milliseconds for well-configured systems on a local network.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What factors affect NTP accuracy? NTP accuracy can be affected by network congestion, server distance, and system configuration.
  2. How can I improve NTP synchronization on my network? Improving NTP synchronization can be achieved by using high-quality time servers and optimizing network settings.
  3. What is the typical latency of NTP? The typical latency for well-configured NTP systems ranges from 1-50 milliseconds on local networks.
  4. Can NTP be used over the internet? Yes, NTP can synchronize clocks over the internet with reasonable accuracy, typically within a few milliseconds.