NTP server vs NTP client, and why an internal time server helps

An NTP server provides time to other devices. An NTP client requests time from a server and synchronizes its clock to that source.

• Reliability: a dedicated internal server is not dependent on public internet availability or changing public server policies.
• Security: you reduce exposure to unsolicited public NTP traffic and minimize firewall openings to the internet.
• Accuracy: local network latency is lower and more predictable than internet paths, improving time quality for clients.