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

NTP server vs NTP client

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

Why run a time server inside your network

• 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.