TITLE
    Mac OS 8.5.x: "Network time server did not respond"
Article ID:
Created:
Modified: 		30936
4/1/99
1/4/01
TOPIC

    Whenever I try to synchronize the time with a Network Time Server in Mac OS 8.5.x, I get the following message:

    "The network time server did not respond. "
    - or -
    "The server selected is not a network time server."

    The issue happens on our LAN but does not occur when I dial into my Internet service provider from home. I've confirmed that the settings are the same at work and at home, and I can even ping the network time server from work.

DISCUSSION

    These errors may occur if you have a proxy server or firewall on your network that is set to prevent incoming and/or outgoing traffic for the network time protocol (NTP) on UDP port 123. Network time synchronization in Mac OS 8.5.x uses NTP symmetric mode, which sends the request out on UDP port 123 and also receives the response on UDP port 123.

    If there is a proxy server or firewall on your network, outgoing and/or incoming traffic on port 123 may be blocked.

    You will need to contact your network administrator to determine if this is what is happening on your network. There are two solutions to this issue, both of which need to be done by the network administrator:

    1) Reconfigure the firewall to allow incoming and outgoing traffic on UDP port 123.
    2) Set up a network time server inside the firewall.

    For additional information see the following article:
    Tech Info Library Article 24753: " LMac OS 8.5: More Time Servers for Date & Time Control Panel "

Document Information
Product Area: Mac OS System Software
Category: Mac OS 8.5
Sub Category: Networking & Internet
Keywords: kmos85

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