By using the VMware Host Client, you can configure the time settings of a host manually or can synchronize the time and date of the host with an NTP or a PTP server. NTP provides millisecond timing accuracy and PTP maintains microsecond timing accuracy.

The NTP service on the host periodically takes the time and date from the NTP server. You can use the Start, Stop, or Restart buttons to change the status of the NTP service on the host at any time regardless of the selected startup policy for the NTP service.

PTP provisions precise time synchronization for the virtual machines within a network. To change the PTP service on the host at any time, you can use the Start, Stop, or Restart buttons. Starting or stopping the PTP service automatically enables or disables PTP. To apply the change when you enable or disable PTP manually, start or stop the PTP service.

For more information about services, see Manage Services in the VMware Host Client.

Note: The NTP and PTP services cannot run simultaneously.

Procedure

  1. Click Manage in the VMware Host Client inventory.
  2. On the System tab, click Time & date.
  3. Set the time and date for the host.
    Option Action
    Manually configure the date and time on this host
    1. Click Edit NTP Settings.

      The Edit NTP Settings dialog box appears.

    2. Set the time and date for the host manually.
    3. Click Save.
    Use Network Time Protocol (Enable NTP client)
    1. Click Edit NTP Settings.

      The Edit NTP Settings dialog box appears.

    2. Select the Use Network Time Protocol radio button.
    3. In the NTP Servers text box, enter the IP addresses or host names of the NTP servers that you want to use.
    4. From the NTP Service Startup Policy drop-down menu, select an option for starting and stopping the NTP service on the host.
      • Start and stop with port usage. Starts or stops the NTP service when the NTP client port is enabled or disabled for access in the security profile of the host.
      • Start and stop with host. Starts and stops the NTP service when the host powers on and shuts down.
      • Start and stop manually. Enables manual starting and stopping of the NTP service. If you select the Start and stop manually policy, the status of the NTP service changes only when you use the UI controls.
    5. Click Save.
    Use Precision Time Protocol (Enable PTP client)
    1. Click Edit PTP Settings.
    2. Select the Enable check box.
    3. From the Network interface drop-down menu, select a network interface.

      The IPv4 and Subnet mask appear.

    4. Click Save.