Section: 2. Configuring the Service Console in ESX 3.5

Section: 2. 7 Maintain Proper Logging

Section: 2.7.1 Ensure Accurate Time-keeping

Section: 2.7.1.2 Verify /etc/ntp/step-tickers Settings

Test: Verify /etc/ntp/step-tickers Settings

This test verifies that at least three NTP servers are defined in /etc/ntp/step-tickers. Using step tickers helps speed up synchronization for the NTP daemon by using ntpdate to set the clock. To remediate failure of this policy test, configure at least three trusted NTP servers in the /etc/ntp/step-tickers file.

Configuring at least three trusted NTP servers in the /etc/ntp/step-tickers file:

1. Login to the Service Console via SSH using a non-privileged account.
2. Use the command su - and enter the root password.
3. Open the /etc/ntp/step-tickers file.
4. Add at least three NTP servers to the file as shown in the example below:
   

0.vmware.pool.ntp.org
1.vmware.pool.ntp.org
2.vmware.pool.ntp.org

5. Save the file.
6. Restart the daemon using the service ntpd restart command.

For further details, please refer to:

http://kb.vmware.com/kb/1339