Configuring HPE Aruba Switch for Time Synchronization: A Step-by-Step Guide

HPE Aruba switches are designed to provide accurate and reliable time synchronization, which is essential for various network operations. In this article, we will explore the steps required to configure an HPE Aruba switch for time synchronization.

Enabling Client Authentication

One of the crucial steps in configuring time synchronization on an HPE Aruba switch is enabling client authentication. This process involves disabling packet processing without authentication and associating a trusted key with the SNTP server. The maximum number of configured keys is 8, with at least one key set as trusted.

Configuring SNTP Server Authentication

To enable authentication on the SNTP server, you need to configure the MD5 authentication mode and provide an authentication key-id and value. You can associate up to three servers for time synchronization, and each server requires a unique IP address.

SNTP Mode Configuration

The SNTP mode determines how often the switch polls the network broadcast address or designated server for time updates. The poll interval can be set to specific intervals, and if the switch fails to detect a time update from the original server three times, it will accept a broadcast time update from the next detected server.

Broadcast Mode vs Unicast Mode

In Broadcast Mode, the switch polls the network broadcast address for time updates, whereas in Unicast Mode, it polls a specific designated server. The switch uses the first detected server and ignores any others.

Configuring SNTP Software Version

The SNTP software version determines which versions of the protocol are supported by the switch. You can configure up to three servers with different software versions.

In this article, we have outlined the steps required to configure an HPE Aruba switch for time synchronization. From enabling client authentication to configuring SNTP server authentication and mode settings, each step is crucial in ensuring accurate and reliable time synchronization on your network. By following these steps, you can ensure that your HPE Aruba switch operates efficiently and provides seamless communication with other devices on the network.

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