Network Time Protocol (NTP) is an Internet protocol that enables time reference synchronization for computers and mobile devices. Time synchronization is important for businesses that have networks spread across the globe and process time-sensitive transactions. A synchronized time in a business network across the globe means identical timestamps for activities, even if they take place in completely different time zones.
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to provide a step-by-step guide on configuring the Network Time Protocol (NTP) server on Zebra devices.
Prequsists
- Supported only on device-owner-enrolled devices.
- Supported on MX version 4.2 and above.
Steps: Configure NTP using profiles
- Log in to the SureMDM web console.
- Go to Profiles and select the Android platform. Further, click Add.
- Enter the profile name, select OEM Config policy, and click Configure.
Note: If the device has MX version 10.1 or below and the OEM agent application is installed, please select Legacy Zebra OEMConfig(Zebra) from the required app. If the device has MX version 11 or higher, select Zebra OEMConfig powered by MX (Zebra) from the drop-down list.
- To navigate to the APN configurations, follow the appropriate steps based on the version of Zebra OEMConfig you are using:
- If you are using Legacy Zebra OEMConfig (Zebra): Expand Transaction Steps > Transaction Step > Clock Configuration
- If you are using Zebra OEMConfig powered by MX (Zebra): Expand System Configurations > Clock Configurations
Auto NTP Server Address setting configures the address of the NTP server that the device will automatically synchronize with. Enter the desired NTP server address/IP address, such as time.google.com or any custom NTP server that the organization uses.
Auto NTP Sync Interval setting determines how frequently the device should synchronize its time with the NTP server. The following sync intervals are available:
Do not change – The current sync interval set on the device remains unchanged: 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 6 hours, 24 hours.
Time Zone Mode setting controls how the device determines its time zone.
- Do not change: Keeps the current time zone mode unchanged.
- Manual: Allows the user to manually set the time zone.
- Auto: Automatically detects and sets the time zone based on the device’s location.
Zone: This setting allows the user to specify the time zone. When “Manual” is selected as the Time Zone Mode. This field is only applicable if the Time Zone Mode is set to “Manual”
Time Format defines the format in which the time is displayed on the device.
5. Once the profile has been configured, save the profile and deploy it on the device.
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