Setup ntp client with embedded device

Question

I need to run an NTP client on a very limited embedded device.

ntpd is available but I do not see anything like rc.conf, or ntp.conf, or xntp.conf? Can someone advise on how to setup NTP?

I ran ntpd, but the date and time haven't updated.

Solution

It looks like you have the Busybox version of ntpd. Here's a useful HOWTO:

http://wiki.openwrt.org/doc/howto/ntp.client

For example:

ntpd -q -p ptbtime1.ptb.de

Comments

[yegorich]

Try ntpdate

[Bob]

What do you mean by it? Isn't ntpd supposed to synchronize with the servers?

[SarahG]

ntpd can sync to a "broadcast" server. A ntp server that broadcasts on your network. This is less secure as anyone can setup a broadcast server. It's common for some routers to broadcast NTP as do some OSes. The command I gave syncs one time then exits. But that assumes a standard version of ntpd

[dfc]

What common routers and/or OSs provide broadcast ntp service? Maybe you meant "it is not common to find ntp broadcast service"?

[SarahG]

cisco routers, and windows active directory servers to name couple right off the top of my head.