Network Time Protocol

NTP (Network Time Protocol) is a means of transmitting time signals over a computer network. It is typically used to synchronize a computer’s time with reliable and geographically-close time sources.

For devices on LBNL networks in the San Francisco Bay Area, LBLnet recommends configuring these five GPS-synchronized NTP servers:

While configuring all 5 is recommended, some devices may only accept 1 or 2 NTP servers, in which case, we recommend using the LBNL Bldg 50 Complex servers.

Specifying NTP server by DNS Host Name is the preferred method, but not all devices may be capable of doing so, and may require specifying an IP address instead. You can use a DNS query in Command Prompt or Terminal to determine the current IP address of a server. Below are examples of commands to do so:

> nslookup ntp1.lbl.gov

> host ntp2.lbl.gov

> dig ntp3.lbl.gov

(Note that the output of nslookup first includes the DNS server that responded to your query in the “Server” field, while the answer to that query typically follows the “Name” field.)

Getting Started

• Windows computers joined to the LBNL Active Directory domain already use NTP and should not require additional configuration.
• Stand-alone Windows 10 or 11 computers:
  • Click the clock on the menu bar and choose “Change date and time settings”
  • Select the Internet Time tab and click “Change settings”
  • Check “Synchronize with an Internet time server”
  • Specify an NTP server and click OK
• Mac OS X
  • Click on the menu bar clock
  • Open Date & Time Preferences
  • Check “Set date and time automatically” and specify an NTP server in the box next to it
• Linux/Unix
  • See server definitions in /etc/ntp.conf
  • Restart the ntpd service

Help

Call the Helpdesk at ext. 4357 (486-4357) or e-mail help@lbl.gov.

Rates

The service is part of the Berkeley Lab Technology Resource Kit and is provided to all employees and affiliates at no recharge.