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IBM Z Time Synchronization Implementation Guide

A draft IBM Redbooks publication

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Last updated on 16 June 2025

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IBM Form #: SG24-8480-02


Authors: Bill White, Donald Crabtree, Gatto Gobehi, Steve Guendet, Clay Kaiser and Octavian Lascu

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    Abstract

    The IBM Z time synchronization solution uses two technologies to ensure precise, consistent, and resilient timekeeping across IBM Z systems; Server Time Protocol (STP) and External Time Sources (ETS). STP is a server-wide facility that is implemented in the Licensed Internal Code (LIC) of the IBM Z® platform. It provides improved time synchronization in a sysplex or non-sysplex configuration. ETS on IBM Z supports standard protocols like Network Time Protocol (NTP), Precision Time Protocol (PTP), and Pulse Per Second (PPS) to keep accurate universal time.

    This IBM Redbooks® publication is intended for infrastructure architects and system programmers who need to understand the STP and ETS functions. Readers are expected to be familiar with IBM Z technology and terminology.

    This book provides planning and implementation information for STP and ETS functions and associated software support for the IBM z17™, IBM z16®, and IBM z15® platforms.

    Table of Contents

    Chapter 1. Introducing the Server Time Protocol

    Chapter 2. Planning hardware and software

    Chapter 3. STP configuration and operations

    Chapter 4. ETS configuration and operations

     

    Special Notices

    The material included in this document is in DRAFT form and is provided 'as is' without warranty of any kind. IBM is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the material, and may update the document at any time. The final, published document may not include any, or all, of the material included herein. Client assumes all risks associated with Client's use of this document.