Motorola RFS Series, System Reference Manual

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Switch Services
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5.3 Configuring Secure NTP
Secure Network Time Protocol (SNTP) is central for networks that rely on their switch to supply system time.
Without an SNTP implementation, switch time is unpredictable, which can result in data loss, failed
processes and compromised security. With network speed, memory and capability increasing at an
exponential rate, the accuracy, precision and synchronization of network time is essential in a switch
managed enterprise network. The switch can either use a dedicated server to supply system time or can use
several forms of SNTP messaging to sync system time with network traffic authenticated and secure for
switch interoperation.
The SNTP configuration activity is divided amongst the following tasks:
• Defining the SNTP Configuration
• Configuring Symmetric Key
• Defining a NTP Neighbor Configuration
• Viewing NTP Associations
• Viewing NTP Status
5.3.1 Defining the SNTP Configuration
Symmetric keys are algorithms for cryptography that use trivially related cryptographic keys for both
decryption and encryption. The encryption key is related to the decryption key, as they may be identical or
there is a simple mechanism to go between keys. The keys represent a shared secret between the switch
and its time resource.
To define the SNTP configuration:
1. Select Services > Secure NTP from the main menu tree.
NOTE: Often, the switch NTP status will not be adequately updated after modifying the
NTP configuration. Periodically check the switch NTP status when making changes to
ensure the proper time is displayed, as it may take awhile for the switch to update the
proper NTP status.
NOTE: When using the SNTP service, ensure that traffic can pass on UDP port 123
between the switch and the NTP server.