21 Jan
2011
21 Jan
'11
8:02 a.m.
Gregory Finch put forth on 1/20/2011 3:27 PM:
You're much better off running one ntp server than two. With just two servers providing time, if they drift from one another, for whatever reason, there is no way to tell which one has the correct time. If you need to ensure the time is correct, peer at least 3 machines together, then they can take care of themselves if one drifts.
The reason for two local ntpd servers instead of one is simply redundancy in case one dies. In your scenario, you first have to realize you have a drifting server. Having 3 servers won't help in this case. Once you identify the drift, you simply run a manual ntpdate against external servers and you know instantly which of your local servers is drifting.
-- Stan