need help in configuring ESX to host a NTP server

[gracego]

I have a windows NTP client that want to synchronize time to my ESX server as my NTP server.

Need help in configuring.

Thanks.

[ShaQ81]

Hi Gracego.

Try this:

1. Add to the host file the IP adrress and the name of your NTP Server.

2. Do a ping and check that reponse the NTP Server.

3. Activate the NTP Service:

write: esxcfg-firewall --enableService ntpClient

service ntpd restart

4. Sincronice your ESX server with your NTP server

write: ntpdate yourntpserver

Do it. In ESX servers works fine.

We wait your answer.

[gracego]

still nothing. i am trying to make the ESX server the NTP server . ANd for my windows clients to sync to this ESX server.

here is my configuration:

ntp conf

restrict 0.vmware.pool.ntp.org mask 255.255.255.255 nomodify notrap noquery

restrict 127.0.0.1

restrict 192.168.0.1 mask 255.255.255.0

server 0.vmware.pool.ntp.org

server 1.vmware.pool.ntp.org

step-tickers

server 0.vmware.pool.ntp.org

server 1.vmware.pool.ntp.org

[dsanders]

Are these Windows virtual machines? If so you can use VMware tools to sync the guests to the host.

[gracego]

but the host is not functioning as NTP server yet. basically host is not working

[dsanders]

If you want to setup the host as an NTP client you may want to check out my script:

http://www.vmcolonel.net/?p=13

After that you can set the vmware tools in each guest to sync to the host.

If you are wanting to setup the ESX server a server to actually serve NTP time to other machines I do not know how to help with that. Personally, I would not use an ESX box to serve time to other physical machines.

[jlanders]

gracego,

There are some problems with the 'restrict' lines in your

configuration. On ESX 3.0.x, server names aren't valid.

You must use IP addresses instead. Unfortunately, you

can't predict in advance which NTP pool servers you'll get,

so you're better off not specifying them at all.

Try something like this:

restrict 127.0.0.1

restrict default kod nomodify notrap

server 0.vmware.pool.ntp.org

server 1.vmware.pool.ntp.org

server 2.vmware.pool.ntp.org

driftfile /var/lib/ntp/drift

Please see KB Article 1339[/url] for more details.

Joe

[yogensha]

Read:

http://www.vmware.com/pdf/vmware_timekeeping.pdf

...before you proceed further. The inherent timing inconsistencies in VMs may render your NTP server's clock inaccurate, depending on your needs.

[gracego]

thanks. I followed your script but still doesnt work.

Interestingly, i wanna know why you wont make the ESX box to provide time to other machines? Isnt it the same as Linux proving NTP server ?

Thanks..

[Andrew_Judge]

http://www.tlanews.com/TLA/NEWS/2006vmware/2007-02-22-ntp-esx.htm

It is like a time keeper, but then you have to open the esxcfg-firewall manually to allow.

This works like a charm - follow the instructions and it will work. I do it all the time.

Best regards,

Andrew Judge

MCSE: Security, RHCE, ACHDS, ACTC, CSSA, CCA, NCIE, A, Security, 3Com VoIP, VCP, VSP

CEO, Grove Networks Inc.

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