How to Set Up NTP on Cisco Devices
Network Time Protocol (NTP) is a standard method used to synchronize the time set on each device within a network. Clock synchronization across all devices ensures log files reflect time correctly and time-sensitive software operates properly. NTP can be configured on a Cisco device in just a few minutes.
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Things You'll Need
- Cisco device such as a router or switch with telnet enabled
- Microsoft Windows 7 computer with the Microsoft telnet client software installed
- IP address of the Cisco device
- Privilege Exec password for the Cisco device
- Telnet password for the Cisco device
- IP address of an NTP server to which the Cisco device time will be synchronized
Instructions
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1
Press the "CTRL," "Shift" and "Enter" keys at the same time on the Windows 7 computer. The command line window will appear.
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2
Type "telnet 10.0.0.1," substituting the "10.0.0.1" with the IP address of a Cisco device, then tap the "Enter" key to connect to the Cisco device.
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3
Enter the telnet password on the command prompt when requested, then touch the "Enter" key.
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4
Enter "enable" on the command prompt, then touch the "Enter" key. Type the Privilege Exec password when requested and touch the "Enter" key.
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5
Enter "config terminal," on the command prompt and tap the "Enter" key.
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6
Type "ntp server x.x.x.x," replacing "x.x.x.x" with the IP address of the NTP server, then tap the "Enter" key if the device is a Cisco router.
If the device is a Cisco Catalyst switch, type "set ntp client enable" and press the "Enter" key, then type "ntp server 10.0.0.1," replacing "10.0.0.1" with the IP address of the NTP server, then tap the "Enter" key.
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7
Type "exit" on the command prompt and press the "Enter" key. Type "copy run start" on the command line and press the "Enter" key to save and complete the configuration.
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References
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