SNTP is a simpler version of NTP, used for less precise timekeeping on computers that don’t require heavy data transfers. NTP uses GPS or radio clocks for accurate timekeeping to avoid data corruption and runtime errors. Manufacturers offer SNTP and NTP servers for accurate time based on Internet standards.
SNTP is an acronym that stands for Simple Network Time Protocol. As the name suggests, it is a less complicated version of the Network Time Protocol, which is a way of synchronizing the clocks of networked computer systems, mainly when data transfer is handled over the Internet. NTP, one of the oldest Internet protocols still in use, uses a GPS clock or other type of radio clock as a basis, which can be scientifically accurate to more than the traditional second on a time scale.
We don’t necessarily need to keep such accurate time in our daily lives. Computers, however, must implement very precise timekeeping. Especially computers that are networked and therefore susceptible to real-time data sharing need precise timekeeping to avoid runtime errors and data corruption. Two computers with clocks that are only a fraction of a second can be prone to catastrophic data transfer errors.
Another reason to synchronize timing for computers is to avoid reverse causal relationships such as replying to email arriving before the original email was sent. This wouldn’t literally be true, but it would appear to be true if the receiving computer didn’t tell the correct time.
NTP is used for heavy data transfers and networks that have a large number of workstations. SNTP is used for computers and computer systems that don’t require such precise calculations to function. For example, a computer connected to the Internet doesn’t need the extreme power of NTP and can use SNTP, even when doing high-bandwidth data transfers. It’s the multiple workstation approach that requires the most detailed timekeeping.
Some manufacturers offer devices such as SNTP servers, the main purpose of which is to provide your computer or network with accurate time based on Internet standards. NTP servers are also available, for more extensive requests. No matter what version your computer is running, you are no doubt grateful that NTP and SNTP are around. Without them, some basic operations could crash an entire network and certainly a personal computer.
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