Brocade Mobility RFS7000-GR Controller System Reference Guide (Supporting software release 4.1.0.0-040GR and later) - Manual (Page 272)

258 Brocade Mobility RFS7000-GR Controller System Reference Guide
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Configuring secure NTP
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8. Click OK to save the new configuration and close the dialog window.
9. Click Cancel to close the dialog without committing updates to the running configuration.
Configuring secure NTP
Secure Network Time Protocol (SNTP) is central for networks that rely on their switch to supply
system time. Without an SNTP implementation, switch time is unpredictable, which can result in
data loss, failed processes and compromised security. With network speed, memory and capability
increasing at an exponential rate, the accuracy, precision and synchronization of network time is
essential in a switch managed enterprise network. The switch can either use a dedicated server to
supply system time or can use several forms of SNTP messaging to sync system time with network
traffic authenticated and secure for switch interoperation.
NOTE
Often, the switch NTP status will not be adequately updated after modifying the NTP configuration.
Periodically check the switch NTP status when making changes to ensure the proper time is
displayed, as it may take awhile for the switch to update the proper NTP status.
The SNTP configuration activity is divided amongst the following tasks:
• Defining the SNTP configuration
• Configuring symmetric key
• Defining a NTP neighbor configuration
• Viewing NTP associations
• Viewing NTP status
Defining the SNTP configuration
Symmetric keys are algorithms for cryptography that use trivially related cryptographic keys for
both decryption and encryption. The encryption key is related to the decryption key, as they may be
identical or there is a simple mechanism to go between keys. The keys represent a shared secret
between the switch and its time resource.
NOTE
When using the SNTP service, ensure that traffic can pass on UDP port 123 between the switch and
the NTP server.
To define the SNTP configuration: