Synchronize time

kenneho · 01-20-2006, 06:44 AM

I have four machines (Debian x3, Ubuntu) I want to synchronize by time. They are connected with a hub, and all have access to the Internet. Any ideas how this is done?

zhelezov · 01-20-2006, 08:24 AM

hi, kenneho!

apt-get install ntp ntpdate and configure ntp to sync system clock with an apropriate to your TZ ntp server while ntpdate will adjust time at boot time.

cheers
vlado

kenneho · 01-20-2006, 08:30 AM

Thanks, I'll give it a try. But is it possible to sync the machines without rebooting?

zhelezov · 01-20-2006, 08:34 AM

no need to reboot -- ntp takes care refreshing time inbetween reboots....and here is an eg. server: time.alcanet.no

glad to!

betrayed · 01-20-2006, 08:34 AM

ntpdate timeserver
just run that from root when ever you feel the need to sync time

kenneho · 01-20-2006, 08:43 AM

Thanks for the replies. I'll give it a try, and hopefully it will work.

zhelezov · 01-20-2006, 08:56 AM

found one more package -- chrony

kenneho · 01-20-2006, 09:28 AM

For some reason I get the following error:

"(...)no server suitable for synchronization found"

I tried the server ntp.uio.no, but it doens't work. I can ping the server, but ntpdate gives me
the error above. I tried adding the -u option, but still no luck. Any ideas?
By the way, the main issue here is to synchronize the machines with each other, not necessarily with "the internet". So if it easier, I could set up a ntp server on one of the machines and have the other sync with that. But I don't know how this is done. I'm guessing its easier sync'ing with an already dedicated server.

zhelezov · 01-20-2006, 10:38 AM

anyway, ntpdate will be deprecated soon while running a ntp daemon will be far more accurate and convenient cuz you could become a time_provider to your local subnet. consider installing ntp-simple -- the ntp.conf file you'll find in /etc is simple enough to set for minutes, and you have your ntpd sync'ing in the background.

Quote:

But I don't know how this is done

the ntp-doc package provides extensive documentation in html format if you happen to need it.

vlado

zhelezov · 01-20-2006, 11:03 AM

one more note -- the default ntp version used by ntpdate is 3. maybe you try using older one with the -o switch, like

ntpdate -o 2 some.ntp.server

betrayed · 01-20-2006, 12:09 PM

ntpdate time.windows.com

works for me.

kenneho · 01-21-2006, 06:08 AM

I give up for now. Can't get it to work. Have tried "ntpdate <server>" using several servers (including windows), have tried different options to ntpdate, have tried and set up my own server. The firewall-setting should be okay. I'm still getting the "no server suitable for synchronization found" error.

I think I'll put it aside for now, and have a go at it later. But thanks for the help anyways, guys!