Implementing Time Synchronization - Novell OPEN ENTERPRISE SERVER 2 SP2 - PLANING AND IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE 11-10-2009 Implementation Manual

12.3.4 Implementing Time Synchronization

As you plan to implement your time synchronization hierarchy, you should know how the NetWare
and OES 2 product installations configure time synchronization on the network. Both installs look at
whether you are creating a new tree or installing into an existing tree.
"New Tree" on page 110
"Existing Tree" on page 111
New Tree
By default, both the OES 2 and the NetWare 6.5 SP8 installs configure the first server in the tree to
use its internal (BIOS) clock as the authoritative time source for the tree.
Because BIOS clocks can fail over time, you should always specify an external, reliable NTP time
source for the first server in a tree. For help finding a reliable NTP time source, see the
Lists (http://ntp.isc.org/bin/view/Servers/WebHome)
"OES 2" on page 110
"NetWare 6.5 SP8" on page 110
OES 2
When you configure your eDirectory installation, the OES 2 install prompts you for the IP address
or DNS name of an NTP v3-compatible time server.
If you are installing the first server in a new eDirectory tree, you have two choices:
You can enter the IP address or DNS name of an authoritative NTP time source
(recommended).
You can leave the field displaying Local Time, so the server is configured to use its BIOS clock
as the authoritative time source.
IMPORTANT: We do not recommend this second option because BIOS clocks can fail over
time, causing serious problems for eDirectory.
NetWare 6.5 SP8
By default, the NetWare install automatically configures the TIMESYNC NLM to use the server's
BIOS clock. As indicated earlier, this default behavior is not recommended for production networks.
You should, therefore, manually configure time synchronization (either Timesync or NTP) while
installing each NetWare server.
Manual time synchronization configuration is accessed at install time from the Time Zone dialog
box by clicking the Advanced button as outlined in
Only" on page 106
Synchronization
110 OES 2 SP2: Planning and Implementation Guide
and as fully explained in
Method" in the NW65 SP8: Installation
on the Web.
"Choose Timesync for Virtualized NetWare
"Setting the Server Time Zone and Time
Guide.
NTP Server