Network Time Protocol (NTP) is a networking protocol used to synchronize the clocks of computers and devices over a network. It ensures that all systems have the same time, which is crucial for various applications, including logging events, scheduling tasks, and maintaining security protocols. NTP can synchronize time within milliseconds over the internet and even better in local networks. NTP operates using a hierarchical system of time sources, known as stratum levels. The highest level, stratum 0, includes atomic clocks and GPS devices, while lower levels, like stratum 1, are directly connected to these sources. This structure allows for accurate time distribution across multiple devices.