Network Time Protocol (NTP)
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 by using a hierarchy of time sources, known as time servers. These servers obtain accurate time from atomic clocks or GPS systems and distribute it to clients. By using a series of algorithms, NTP adjusts the time on devices, compensating for network delays and ensuring precise synchronization.