The Difference Between NTP & SNTP
The NTP and SNTP function as protocols for synchronizing the clocks of networked computers. NTP stands for Network Time Protocol, and SNTP stands for Simple Network Time Protocol.
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Latency
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When information travels across a network, a delay called "latency" exists between the information's sent time and received time. NTP and SNTP synchronize the clocks of computers on a network to compensate for this latency.
UTC
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NTP and SNTP synchronize clocks using Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC, a standardized date and time format for computer networking that does not include information such as the time zone or daylight saving time.
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Marzullo's Algorithm
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NTP uses Marzullo's algorithm to estimate the time difference between the sending computer and the receiving computer, as latency between networked computers often varies over time.
NTP vs. SNTP
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SNTP provides the same features as NTP, but uses a simpler algorithm to calculate the difference in time between the two networked computers. The simpler algorithm makes SNTP less accurate than NTP, but it also uses fewer system resources.
Applications
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Applications requiring extreme precision--including web servers, email servers and other business applications--typically utilize NTP, while mobile devices and some consumer level applications use SNTP.
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References
- Photo Credit ethernet image by Jaume Felipe from Fotolia.com
