NTP server synchronization behavior

[nuggetinu]

Hi,

I am trying to setup an NTP server on PT. as you can see on both DLS1 and DLS2 the commands 

ntp authenticate, ntp authentication-key 1 md5 P@55word and ntp trusted-key 1 have already been configured. Additionally ntp server command is also pointing to 172.16.99.100, which is NTP the server connected to DLS1. For some reason I am noticing that DLS2 sometimes does not synchronize, and sometimes it doesn't show the reference clock address. I am also noticing that it is taking a lot of time to synchronize when it does. Appreciate if some can tell me what's wrong with my configuration. Thanks

[Georg Pauwen]

What are the enable passwords for the devices ?

[nuggetinu]

Good point, and sorry. "class" is the enable password.

[Georg Pauwen]

Hello,

the problem seems to be the authentication, I attached the altered .pkt file without authentication, and I get the same stratum 2 on the second as on the first switch.

This might be related to Packet Tracer, which does not really feature fully functional routers. Even without authentication, after opening the file, you have to wait several minutes for the time on the second switch to synchronize.

Possibly, the password you are using (which has special characters) is not correctly translated on the Cisco routers (how did you enter the special characters ?)...

[nuggetinu]

The password is P@55word and can be viewed on the server.

[Georg Pauwen]

Hello,

it works without authentication, so that is where the problem is. If you want to test in a better environment which comes close to a 'real' network, better use GNS3 (which is free).