PTPv2

The Precision Time Protocol (PTP) is used to synchronize network clocks. It is best suited to situations where time accuracy is of the utmost importance, as it supports accuracy in the sub‑microsecond range. Conversely, NTP accuracy is in the range of milliseconds or tens of milliseconds.

Before configuring the PTP settings, ensure that NTP synchronization is disabled. Otherwise, the config system ptp command is not available. config system ntp set ntpsync disable end

The following CLI commands are available:

config system ptp
    set status {enable | disable}
    set mode {multicast | hybrid}
    set delay-mechanism {E2E | P2P}
    set request-interval <integer>
    set interface <interface>
end

Command	Description
status {enable | disable}	Enable or disable the FortiGate system time by synchronizing with a PTP server (default = disable).
mode {multicast | hybrid}	Use multicast or hybrid transmission (default = multicast).
delay-mechanism {E2E | P2P}	Use end-to-end (E2E) or peer-to-peer (P2P) delay detection (default = E2E).
request-interval <integer>	The logarithmic mean interval between the delay request messages sent by the client to the server in seconds (default = 1).
interface <interface>	The interface that the PTP client will reply through.

Sample configuration

This example uses the following topology:

To configure a FortiGate to act as a PTP client that synchronizes itself with a Linux PTP server:

1. Enable debug messages:

   # diagnose debug application ptpd -1

   This command will provide details to debug the PTP communication with the server.

2. Check the system date:

   # execute date
   current date is: 2021-04-01

3. Configure PTP in global mode:

   config system ptp
       set status enable
       set interface wan2
   end

4. Check the system date again after synchronization with the PTP server:

   # execute date
   current date is: 2021-04-27