Skip to main content

What is an SNTP?

The Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP) is a simpler version of the Network Time Protocol (NTP). SNTP synchronizes the time between networked computer systems and is relied on when data is being transferred via the Internet. The NTP protocol is one of the most established protocols still used on the Internet. It uses a GPS or radio clock to tell time and is accurate past the seconds place.
Why is the SNTP Necessary?
The need for precise time synchronization has continued to increase with the evolution of computer technology over the past several decades. In the networking field, network servers and their client computers require precision to the millisecond and beyond in order to ensure data file transfers occur without errors. Computers also require specific time synchronization in order to ensure data packet and email delivery in the proper sequence to destination networks and email recipients. The importance of the SNTP and NTP protocols exponentially expands with the number of computers that are on a network in order to prioritize network traffic appropriately.
Computers that Use the SNTP Protocol
Servers are the primary SNTP protocol users. Servers use the protocol in order to keep the time on network services and client computers synchronized based on Internet standards. Web servers that put a heavy demand on traffic may have to switch to the NTP for time service requirements. However, the SNTP protocol is suitable for providing the time for all services and client computers on small to medium networks.
What are the Security Implications of the SNTP Protocol?
The SNTP protocol’s data is subject to packet sniffing since it is plain text that is transmitted over a local network and the Internet without encryption. It may also be susceptible to a dictionary or brute force attack in order to guess the authentication and encryption keys and strings. The protocol also uses the UDP communications protocol, which may be open to IP spoofing attacks.
Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

AD LDS – Syncronizing AD LDS with Active Directory

First, we will install the AD LDS Instance: 1. Create and AD LDS instance by clicking Start -> Administrative Tools -> Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services Setup Wizard. The Setup Wizard appears. 2. Click Next . The Setup Options dialog box appears. For the sake of this guide, a unique instance will be the primary focus. I will have a separate post regarding AD LDS replication at some point in the near future. 3. Select A unique instance . 4. Click Next and the Instance Name dialog box appears. The instance name will help you identify and differentiate it from other instances that you may have installed on the same end point. The instance name will be listed in the data directory for the instance as well as in the Add or Remove Programs snap-in. 5. Enter a unique instance name, for example IDG. 6. Click Next to display the Ports configuration dialog box. 7. Leave ports at their default values unless you have conflicts with the default values. 8. Click N...
Read more

DNS Scavenging.

                        DNS Scavenging is a great answer to a problem that has been nagging everyone since RFC 2136 came out way back in 1997.  Despite many clever methods of ensuring that clients and DHCP servers that perform dynamic updates clean up after themselves sometimes DNS can get messy.  Remember that old test server that you built two years ago that caught fire before it could be used?  Probably not.  DNS still remembers it though.  There are two big issues with DNS scavenging that seem to come up a lot: "I'm hitting this 'scavenge now' button like a snare drum and nothing is happening.  Why?" or "I woke up this morning, my DNS zones are nearly empty and Active Directory is sitting in a corner rocking back and forth crying.  What happened?" This post should help us figure out when the first issue will happen and completely av...
Read more

HOW TO EDIT THE BCD REGISTRY FILE

The BCD registry file controls which operating system installation starts and how long the boot manager waits before starting Windows. Basically, it’s like the Boot.ini file in earlier versions of Windows. If you need to edit it, the easiest way is to use the Startup And Recovery tool from within Vista. Just follow these steps: 1. Click Start. Right-click Computer, and then click Properties. 2. Click Advanced System Settings. 3. On the Advanced tab, under Startup and Recovery, click Settings. 4. Click the Default Operating System list, and edit other startup settings. Then, click OK. Same as Windows XP, right? But you’re probably not here because you couldn’t find that dialog box. You’re probably here because Windows Vista won’t start. In that case, you shouldn’t even worry about editing the BCD. Just run Startup Repair, and let the tool do what it’s supposed to. If you’re an advanced user, like an IT guy, you might want to edit the BCD file yourself. You can do this...
Read more