Well It's About Time

This document describes the role time plays in a networked environment. Specifically it introduces the reader to the Network Time Protocol (NTP) and how it is used to synchronize computer clocks together via a hierarchical master slave relationship in a secure manner. We peer into the definition of standard time and who some of the purveyors of trusted time are. A brief overview of how a typical Windows environment keeps up with an external time source is examined. Upon conclusion, we take a closer look at how time is disseminated to networks all around the world and the various hardware devices involved.