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Accurate timekeeping is critical for server operations. Hardware clocks in computers are not perfect and may gradually drift from the actual time. For instance, if the real time is 12:00:05, a server might display 12:00:06—a one-second drift ahead. Fortunately, most devices today automatically synchronize their clocks over the Internet using the Network Time Protocol (NTP). Most modern operating systems include time synchronization software by default. In Ubuntu, the default utility is systemd-timesyncd, which is part of the systemd suite.
The image illustrates the concept of setting and synchronizing system time using time servers, highlighting the role of Network Time Protocol (NTP) in ensuring accurate clocks for servers.

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Configure Time Zone Settings

In addition to time synchronization, it is important to correctly set the time zone. Incorrect time zones can lead to confusion, especially when managing logs from servers located in different regions. For example, when it is 1:47 in Germany, it is 7:47 in Singapore. It is advisable to set your server’s time zone to your local zone or to that of your company’s main office.
The image compares time synchronization methods in modern operating systems, highlighting Windows and Ubuntu's use of system utilities like "Systemd-timesyncd."
Time-related operations can be managed using the timedatectl utility. To view the list of available time zones, run:
The output will look similar to this:
Time zones are formatted with the continent first, followed by a slash, and then the city. To set your time zone to Los Angeles, use the command:
Remember to use an underscore for cities with multiple words. Verify the change by executing:
A sample output might look like:
This output also indicates whether an NTP service is active.

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Manage NTP Synchronization

If you find that the NTP service is not active, follow these steps to ensure proper time synchronization:
  1. Install systemd-timesyncd (if not already installed):
  2. Enable synchronization with NTP servers:
  3. Verify the status:
To check the status of the systemd-timesyncd service, run:
A typical output is:
The image illustrates the synchronization of system time using time servers in different locations, specifically Germany and Singapore, highlighting time zone differences and adjustments.
Use tab completion in your terminal by typing timedatectl and then pressing tab twice to explore additional commands such as show-timesync and timesync-status.

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Configure Custom NTP Servers

To change the default settings for systemd-timesyncd and specify custom NTP servers, you need to edit the configuration file:
Within the file, locate the following block and modify it as desired by uncommenting and updating the NTP server list:
This configuration sets four NTP servers from the US pool. Notice that underscores are used in city names or when naming a server with multiple words. After saving your changes, restart the service to apply the new configuration:
To verify that the newly specified NTP servers are in use, run:
A sample output may look like:
You can also check the detailed time synchronization status using:
This command provides comprehensive information including the poll interval, root distance, offset, delay, and other relevant NTP details. A sample output might be:
Ensure that your network configuration allows NTP traffic. If synchronization fails, check your firewall and network settings.

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Conclusion

This guide covered how to configure both the time zone and NTP synchronization on Ubuntu using systemd-timesyncd. You learned how to view available time zones, set the correct zone, enable time synchronization, modify NTP settings, and verify the synchronization status. Maintaining accurate system time is essential for log management and other time-sensitive operations. See you in the next lesson!

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