How can i set up an independent local NTP server?

Saxe Kuku 26 Reputation points
2021-04-20T20:37:51.437+00:00

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!

Windows 10 Network
Windows 10 Network
Windows 10: A Microsoft operating system that runs on personal computers and tablets.Network: A group of devices that communicate either wirelessly or via a physical connection.
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  1. Dave Patrick 426.1K Reputation points MVP
    2021-04-20T22:17:58.787+00:00
    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

    --please don't forget to Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

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  1. Daisy Zhou 18,706 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2021-04-21T09:21:49.307+00:00

    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

    2 people found this answer helpful.
  2. Dave Patrick 426.1K Reputation points MVP
    2021-04-21T13:21:20.377+00:00

    Any progress or updates?

    --please don't forget to Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

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  3. Saxe Kuku 26 Reputation points
    2021-04-21T18:14:06.3+00:00

    DaisyZhou-MSFT gave a great reference, thanks!

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