Consistent Time
The Consistent Time Integration Profile (CT) provides a means to ensure that the system clocks and time stamps of the many computers in a network are well synchronized. This profile specifies synchronization with a median error less than 1 second. This is sufficient for most purposes.
Summary
The Consistent Time Integration Profile defines mechanisms to synchronize the time base between multiple actors and computers.
Benefits
Various infrastructure, security, and acquisition profiles require use of a consistent time base on multiple computers, to synchronize logs, authenticate users, digitally sign documents, et cetera.
Details
The Consistent Time profile requires the use of the Network Time Protocol (NTP) defined in RFC 1305. When the Time Server is grouped with a Time Client to obtain time from a higher tier Time Server, the Time Client shall utilize NTP. For some Time Clients that are not grouped with a Time Server, SNTP may be usable.
Windows Configuration
To configure Windows system to be a time client, simply enter the following at the command line:
C:\> net time /setsntp:hostname
Where hostname is the host name or IP address of the time server.
Unix Configuration
On a unix system, ask a sysadmin to ensure that ntpd is running and configured properly.
Systems Affected
All
Actors
See Also
Profile Status: Final Text
The IT Infrastructure Framework is the official master document for this Profile.
The CT FAQ answers typical questions about what the Profile does.
The CT Implementation provides additional information about implementing this Profile in software.
This page is based on the Profile Template