SNTP Authentication on 200/300 Series Managed Switches

Objective

Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP) is an adaptation of the Network Time Protocol (NTP) that is used to synchronize computer clocks on the internet. It is important for devices that are networked together to have synchronized time so they can efficiently perform real time actions with each other. To do this, an SNTP server must be added to the switch and an SNTP authentication key must be configured. An authentication key allows for a device to synchronize itself with an SNTP server.

For more information on how to add an SNTP server refer to the article Add an SNTP Server on 200/300 Series Managed Switches.

This article explains how to configure SNTP authentication on the 200/300 Series Managed Switches.

Applicable Devices

• SF/SG 200 and SF/SG 300 Series Managed Switches

Software Version

• 1.3.0.62

SNTP Authentication

Step 1. Log in to the web configuration utility and choose Administration > Time Settings > SNTP Authenticaton. The SNTP Authentication page opens:

Step 2. Check Enable in the SNTP Authentication field to require authentication of an SNTP session between the switch and an SNTP server.

Step 3. Click Apply.

Step 4. Click Add to add an authentication key. The Add SNTP Authentication window appears.

Step 5. Enter the number that is used to identify the SNTP Authentication key internally in the Authentication Key ID field.

Step 6. Click the radio button that corresponds to the desired key type in the Authentication Key field. The SNTP server must send this key for the switch to synchronize to it.

• User Defined (Encrypted) — Enter the key in the encrypted format.

• User Defined (Plaintext) — Enter the key in the plain text format.

Step 7. Check Enable in the Trusted Key field to allow the switch to receive synchronization information from only an SNTP server that uses the defined authentication key.

Step 8. Click Apply. The SNTP authentication key is configured.