In this chapter we have examined the core NTP protocols and configuration information, as well as how to configure NTP clients and servers. Given that NTP is a central service that ensures data integrity, we've also examined the security implications of running an NTP service and how it may be protected with appropriate access control and authentication mechanisms.
1. |
Why is there a need for production systems to be able to regularly synchronize their clocks?
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2. |
What is the purpose of NTP?
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What kind of approach allows one server on the network to be delegated the authority for timekeeping for all systems on that network?
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4. |
What is the major new feature of NTP v3?
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5. |
What is the name of the Solaris NTP daemon?.
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6. |
Where is the sample NTP server configuration file located?
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7. |
What is the name of the command to start the NTP daemon in debug mode?
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8. |
What is the Leap Indicator?
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9. |
What is the Version Indicator?
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10. |
What is the Mode?
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11. |
What is the Stratum?
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12. |
What is the Poll Interval?
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13. |
What is the Precision?
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14. |
What is the Root Delay?
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15. |
What is the Root Dispersion?
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Answers
1. |
A. To ensure data consistency in enterprise applications, there is a need for production systems to be able to regularly synchronize their clocks. |
2. |
B. The purpose of NTP is to allow time to be synchronized between all systems on a network by using multicast. |
3. |
D. A master-slave approach allows one server on the network to be delegated the authority for timekeeping for all systems on that network. |
4. |
A. The major new feature of NTP v3 is a method for servers to communicate with a set of peer servers to average offsets and achieve a more accurate estimation of current time. |
5. |
C. The Solaris NTP daemon is xntpd. |
6. |
A. The sample NTP server configuration file is located in /etc/inet/ntp.server. |
7. |
C. The name of the command to start the NTP daemon in debug mode is xntpd -q. |
8. |
A. The Leap Indicator is the flag that indicates a leap year at the end of the day. |
9. |
B. The Version Number is NTP v3. |
10. |
C. The Mode determines whether the message is symmetric active, symmetric passive, client, server, broadcast, or an NTP control message. |
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D. The Stratum is the level of accuracy for the message, with 1 being a primary server and 2-255 indicating secondary servers of decreasing accuracy. |
12. |
A. The Poll Interval is the maximum time separating messages. |
13. |
B. The Precision is the local clock precision. |
14. |
C. The Root Delay is the delay anticipated between the primary and other sources. |
15. |
D. The Root Dispersion is the error estimate from the primary source.. |