If the clocks of different devices do not match, it becomes difficult to understand the sequence of a fault. Time synchronization is the basis for comparing logs and scan records.

Basic approach

NTP is a protocol for clock synchronization over the network. Time zone display and the actual time accuracy of the system are different matters. If one log uses UTC and the other uses local time, the same event may appear to occur at different times.

Application steps

  1. Check the time source of client, server and network devices.
  2. Add time zone or UTC information to reports.
  3. Record the time difference at the time of the error and take this difference into account when comparing the logs.

Practical example

If the camera log shows 18:00 and the recording server log shows 21:00, check the time zones first. A three-hour display difference does not necessarily mean that there are three hours between actual events.

Interpret the result correctly

Changing the time suddenly may affect running applications. Follow central time policy in corporate environments. An accurate desktop clock does not prove that all devices are synchronized; The source and synchronization status should be checked separately.

Source and follow-up reading

Protocol or command details: RFC 5905. The steps and example scenario are IPScans editorial narrative.