To manage synchronization information transmitted to each reference source, the NTP module sets up a peer structure for each reference source. The peer structures are saved in the form of links using Hash. Each peer structure corresponds to an association (or a session). NTP supports a maximum of 128 static and dynamic associations.
Static associations are set up using commands.
Dynamic associations are set up when an NTP packet is received by the client or peer.
In client/server mode, you must configure the IP address (on the client) of the server to be synchronized. In such a case, a static association is established on the client. It is not necessary for the server to set up the association because it only responds passively to the client request.
In symmetric peer mode, you must configure the IP address of the symmetric peer on the symmetric active end. In such a case, a static association is established on the symmetric active end.
In multicast mode, you must configure the multicast IP addresses of the interfaces on the multicast server. In such a case, a static association is established on the server. You must also configure the multicast IP address of the client on the interface, which listens to the multicast NTP packets. This is not intended for setting up a static association but is intended for setting up a dynamic association after the client receives a packet from the server.
In broadcast mode, you must enable the server mode on the interfaces of the broadcast server. In such a case, a static association is set up on the server. You must also configure the client mode on the interface, which should listen to the broadcast NTP packets. This is not intended for setting up a static association but is intended for setting up a dynamic association after the client receives a packet from the server.