In networks, it is important that all computers have the correct system time. Time synchronisation plays a particularly important role when checking certificates (validity) and evaluating logging information (e.g. assigning error messages).

To set the system time correctly on the computer, various operating systems offer corresponding options for accessing a time server (e.g. time.apple.com, time.google.com or time.windows.com as well as pool.ntp.org). For systems whose internet access is restricted to the campus, the university computing centre provides four internal NTP servers (ntp1.tu-darmstadt.de to ntp4.tu-darmstadt.de).

The four NTP servers at TU Darmstadt use the two time servers of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) in Braunschweig, among others, as sources. Since the beginning of 2025, there has also been an NTP server with a GPS receiver so that the NTP servers at TU Darmstadt have another source for the exact time that is not dependent on the internet.

For devices (e.g. laptops) that are also used off campus, it is advisable not to change the manufacturer's configuration. For stationary devices or devices without internet access, please enter one of the four NTP servers of TU Darmstadt.