How can i set up an independent local NTP server?

Question

I would like to setup a Windows 10 PC as local NTP server so that my linux based modules can sync to it

1) Do I have to use Windows server to start?

Google search seems to give conflicting info on this, so I assume I can use my Windows 10 Pro to do it. I follow https://techlibrary.hpe.com/docs/otlink-wo/How-to-Configure-a-Local-NTP-Server.html to set up a local NTP server. No error is detected, but not sure if it actually works.

Next....

2) Does the local NTP server need to connect to internet?

From my reading, it seems yes, but not 100% sure, so I continue, assuming it might work.

I set up my linux modules to use this Windows 10 pro PC without any internet connection as its NTP server

when I check the NTP service on the linux modules, it returns a stratum value of "16", meaning invalid

Any pointer? Thanks!

Answer 1

1. No you don't
2. You can use any reliable source for time. Some internet sources listed here. https://tf.nist.gov/tf-cgi/servers.cgi

For the windows 10 you could do

w32tm /unregister
net stop w32time
w32tm /register
net start w32time
w32tm /config /manualpeerlist:<ntp ip address> /syncfromflags:manual /reliable:yes /update
net stop w32time
net start w32time
then check
w32tm /query /source
w32tm /query /configuration

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Answer 2

Hello @Saxe Kuku ,

Thank you for posting here.

Here are the answers for your references.

1) Do I have to use Windows server to start?
A: You can use Windows server or Windows client as NTP server.

2) Does the local NTP server need to connect to internet?
A: You can connect NTP server to Internet or not based on your needs or requirements.

1. Make sure that the UDP 123 port on the machines are open.
2. Linux can ping the NTP time server.

Other references.
Creating a Standalone NTP Server With Windows
https://www.interfacett.com/blogs/creating-standalone-ntp-server-windows/

How do you configure your PC as NTP server?
https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/document/22144502/how-do-you-configure-your-pc-as-ntp-server-?dti=0&lc=en-AZ

Please note: Information posted in the given link is hosted by a third party. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy and effectiveness of information.

Best Regards,
Daisy Zhou

Answer 3

Any progress or updates?

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Answer 4

DaisyZhou-MSFT gave a great reference, thanks!