Motorola WiNG 4.4, Reference Manual, Page: 303 / 598

Switch Services 5 - 23
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.