Configure PTP Service Using HorizonΒΆ

The PTP is a protocol used to synchronize clocks in a network. You can use the Horizon Web interface to configure these services on the host.

PTP provides more accurate time synchronization than NTP. NTP typically provides time synchronization accuracy on the order of milliseconds, while PTP provides time synchronization accuracy on the order of microseconds.

A PTP master must be present on the OAM Network, broadcasting PTP time messages.

Note

NTP and PTP are configured per host. Lock/unlock the host when updating clock_synchronization for the host.

Prerequisites

Review the Fault Management page and ensure that any existing system alarms are cleared.

Procedure

  1. In the StarlingX Horizon, open the System Configuration page.

    The System Configuration page is available from Admin > Platform > System Configuration in the left-hand pane.

  2. Select the PTP tab.

    The PTP page appears.

  3. Click Edit PTP. Update the configuration of the PTP service.

    • PTP Time Stamping Mode: Hardware time stamping is the default option, and achieves best time syncing.

    • PTP Network Transport: Switch between IEEE 802.3 network transport (L2) or UDP IPv4/v6 network transport for PTP messaging.

      Note

      L2 is the default option.

      If you use UDP for PTP transport, each PTP interface must have an IP assigned. This is enforced during host unlock, and when switching PTP transport to UDP.

    • PTP Delay Mechanism

      Set the PTP delay mechanism, the options are:

      • E2E: default delay request-response

      • P2P: peer delay

  4. Click Save.

    This raises 250.001 Configuration out-of-date alarms against the controllers, workers, and storages nodes. You can view the alarms on the Fault Management page.

  5. Lock and unlock the controllers, workers, and storage nodes to apply the configuration and clear the Configuration out-of-date alarms.

    Open the Host Inventory page, available from Admin > Platform > Host Inventory in the left-hand pane, and then select the Hosts tab. Hosts requiring attention are shown with the status Config out-of-date.

    To lock or unlock a host, click the Action Menu down arrow for the host and then use the menu selections.

    1. Lock the standby controller.

      Wait for the lock operation to be completed.

    2. Unlock the standby controller.

      Wait for the host to become available. Its configuration is updated, and its error message is cleared.

    3. Perform a swact on the active controller.

      Click Action Menu (down arrow) > Swact Host > for the active controller.

      Horizon Web interface access is interrupted, and the StarlingX login screen appears. Wait briefly for the Web service to stabilize, and then log in again.

    4. Lock the original controller (now in standby mode).

      Wait for the lock operation to be completed.

    5. Unlock the original controller.

      Wait for it to become available. Its configuration is updated, and its error message is cleared.

  6. Ensure that the Configuration out-of-date alarms are cleared for both controllers.