Network Time Protocol daemon vs Chrony

Struggling to choose between Network Time Protocol daemon and Chrony? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Network Time Protocol daemon is a Network & Admin solution with tags like ntp, time, daemon, clock, synchronization, network.

It boasts features such as Synchronizes computer clocks over a network, Uses Network Time Protocol to coordinate clocks across servers and clients, Ensures accurate timekeeping across network, Can act as NTP client or server, Supports authentication for security and pros including Improves accuracy of system time, Avoids problems caused by inaccurate time, Allows for consistent time across network, Wide protocol support and compatibility, Secure and reliable time synchronization.

On the other hand, Chrony is a Network & Admin product tagged with ntp, time-sync, clock.

Its standout features include NTP client and server, Accurate clock discipline algorithm, Support for reference clocks, Command line interface and monitoring program, Runs as a daemon process in user space, Small footprint and low resource usage, and it shines with pros like High accuracy and reliability, Good performance in unstable network conditions, Secure authentication using keys, Easy to configure and manage, Open source with active development.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

Network Time Protocol daemon

Network Time Protocol daemon

The Network Time Protocol daemon (ntpd) is a program that synchronizes computer clocks over a network. It works by coordinating clocks across a variety of servers and clients using the Network Time Protocol to ensure accurate timekeeping.

Categories:
ntp time daemon clock synchronization network

Network Time Protocol daemon Features

  1. Synchronizes computer clocks over a network
  2. Uses Network Time Protocol to coordinate clocks across servers and clients
  3. Ensures accurate timekeeping across network
  4. Can act as NTP client or server
  5. Supports authentication for security

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Improves accuracy of system time

Avoids problems caused by inaccurate time

Allows for consistent time across network

Wide protocol support and compatibility

Secure and reliable time synchronization

Cons

Complex configuration

Requires accessible NTP servers

Potential security vulnerabilities if not properly secured

Relies on network connectivity


Chrony

Chrony

Chrony is a versatile implementation of the Network Time Protocol (NTP). It can synchronize the system clock with NTP servers, reference clocks, and manual input using wristwatch. It is designed to deliver accurate and secure time even in unstable network conditions.

Categories:
ntp time-sync clock

Chrony Features

  1. NTP client and server
  2. Accurate clock discipline algorithm
  3. Support for reference clocks
  4. Command line interface and monitoring program
  5. Runs as a daemon process in user space
  6. Small footprint and low resource usage

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

High accuracy and reliability

Good performance in unstable network conditions

Secure authentication using keys

Easy to configure and manage

Open source with active development

Cons

Limited historic data for diagnostics

Less widely deployed than older NTP implementations

Requires configuration changes from default NTP setup

Not compatible with Windows time sync by default