Set up a local NTP server for every other LAN device
Set up a local NTP server for every other LAN device
A nearby NTP server isn't useful for personal use. Stick to a local ntp.org pool instead. Many organizations help maintain the project, including universities, data centers, and services like Cloudflare. As an ICT and managed IT firm with thousands of devices, we operate our own NTP servers. I replaced one over ten years because it failed, but I don’t need to run one at home.
It’s unlikely the NTP traffic will dominate a network’s bandwidth significantly. The breakout router is set up as an NTP server with a concise DNS name, making it simple to configure for clients requiring precise NTP setup.
It depends on the server and connection speed, but estimating the number of NTPS required for a 15-minute 1080p YouTube video typically ranges from several to tens of queries, varying with network conditions.
I performed a quick capture of an NTP sync for the first time, with the total size being just under 100 bytes for the request and 100 bytes for the reply. A rough estimate for YouTube is about 50MB per minute, or 750MB overall. To reach 750MB of NTP queries, you'd need around 3.9 million full synchronizations. Another perspective suggests that a single 1080p stream would require roughly 4350 devices to complete a full sync every second. This is quite a simplified view, so I may be misunderstood.
Thanks for the explanation. I thought it would be an absurd figure, but good news—no letdown there.
In 2017 estimates suggested data usage could range from 1kWh to 0.06kWh per GB, with a more conservative figure around 0.5kWh for long-distance transmission in 2023. Likely values hover nearer 0.1kWh overall. These numbers depend on efficiency assumptions, but recent trends show decreasing power use as faster interfaces become available. For more details, see the 2020 study referenced from WholeGraindigital: https://www.wholegraindigital.com/blog/w...nsumption/
The real issue is… why does it matter? In the worst case, most gadgets will be almost identical within seconds. What activity are you engaged in at home where this really counts? Accurate timing is crucial on scales like global money systems, ATM exchanges, bank balances, credit card swaps, or even high-speed data networks. But for everyday home use, how important is it if your devices drift slightly? Among all the data I observe each day on my local network, NTP traffic seems almost negligible—it’s just a tiny fraction of everything. It’s like a few grains of sand on the vast shores of the internet. If we truly want to create a meaningful impact, launch a campaign encouraging people to power down their computers when they’re not in use.
I appreciate the conversation. Essentially, most people believe it's not worth the effort to configure an NTP server. It might require more time and energy to join this forum and talk about the subject than everyone else already has their devices synced locally. Perhaps it's more efficient to simply have daily remote synchronization instead of having a computer connected for local sync. The setup depends on how you arrange things. I'm happy those with an existing server are doing it too, making it straightforward.
For those using just a modem or fiber box with a router or Wi-Fi router, it might not be practical to set up a PC for synchronization. You'd need to install routing software and configure it on a network device.
Using your current Wi-Fi router and installing OpenWRT could work if you check their hardware list and enable it. You'd also need an always-on redirection rule to avoid devices using presets. It might save energy to draw power from all your network gear at night—though I'm not sure why anyone hasn't tried this before.
You could also ask about the energy cost of re-establishing your ISP connection versus keeping it on. At least unplug the Wi-Fi when you're not using it. How will you manage it when you're asleep?
This discussion is far from about NTP details. It’s really about how our culture treats those who demand constant online access—especially hackers in China and Russia. They need this mindset to keep pushing until we’re left with nothing but darkness. I manage Meinberg NTP servers everywhere, big or small. It’s not about saving energy; it’s about protection. This way, I can secure payment terminals, cameras, and anything sensitive behind a firewall. I just connect to my internal server for timestamps and keep it offline. Who would say that’s radical? You’d need a cybersecurity degree. The old idea that “if it doesn’t need the internet, don’t give it one” is completely outdated. Setting up a time server on a Linux VM isn’t simple enough.
It makes sense to limit functionality to just NTP access for certain devices. The issue is that many gadgets don’t support this, which is really inconvenient. For instance, my LIFX lights only worked on a local network before the app update disabled offline operation, even though the bulbs might still function with another app. Several smart products completely remove local control options.