Operation Manual – NTP
H3C S5100-SI/EI Series Ethernet Switches
Chapter 1 NTP Configuration
1-4
1.1.3 NTP Implementation Modes
According to the network structure and the position of the local Ethernet switch in the
network, the local Ethernet switch can work in multiple NTP modes to synchronize the
clock.
I. Server/client mode
Figure 1-2
Server/client mode
II. Symmetric peer mode
Passive peer
Clock synchronization
request packet
Synchronize
Network
Active peer
Works in passive peer
mode automatically
In peer mode, both sides
can be synchronized to
each other
Response packet
Figure 1-3
Symmetric peer mode
In the symmetric peer mode, the local S5100-SI/EI Ethernet switch serves as the
symmetric-active peer and sends clock synchronization request first, while the remote
server serves as the symmetric-passive peer automatically.
If both of the peers have reference clocks, the one with a smaller stratum number is
adopted.
