NTP time synchronization issue on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 Service Pack 4 running on VMware
This document (7010716) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.
Environment
SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 Service Pack 4
Situation
On virtualized SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 Service Pack 4, time synchronization using Network Time Protocol daemon (ntpd) is not properly working reporting major clock drift:
The issue has been verified on systems running kernel version 2.6.16.60-0.97.1 on VMware.
# cat /var/lib/ntp/drift/ntp.drift -500.000and several frequency errors in the ntp log file:
# cat /var/log/ntp [...] 9 Jul 11:06:37 ntpd[466]: frequency error -512 PPM exceeds tolerance 500 PPM 9 Jul 11:07:43 ntpd[466]: frequency error -512 PPM exceeds tolerance 500 PPM 9 Jul 11:08:46 ntpd[466]: frequency error -512 PPM exceeds tolerance 500 PPM 9 Jul 11:09:49 ntpd[466]: frequency error -512 PPM exceeds tolerance 500 PPM [...]
The issue has been verified on systems running kernel version 2.6.16.60-0.97.1 on VMware.
Resolution
Solution:
Please update to kernel 2.6.16.60-0.99.1 or later.
Workaround:
Disable the Time Stamp Counter using the kernel parameter "notsc". In order to do this, add "notsc" to the kernel line in the file "/boot/grub/menu.lst". An example below:
kernel /boot/vmlinuz-2.6.16.60-0.97.1-default root=/dev/sda2 vga=0x314 resume=/dev/sda1 splash=silent showopts notsc
Then reboot the system and verify if the issue is solved.
Please update to kernel 2.6.16.60-0.99.1 or later.
Workaround:
Disable the Time Stamp Counter using the kernel parameter "notsc". In order to do this, add "notsc" to the kernel line in the file "/boot/grub/menu.lst". An example below:
kernel /boot/vmlinuz-2.6.16.60-0.97.1-default root=/dev/sda2 vga=0x314 resume=/dev/sda1 splash=silent showopts notsc
Then reboot the system and verify if the issue is solved.
Additional Information
More information about this issue from VMWare:
http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=1006427
http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?language=en_US&cmd=displayKC&externalId=1006427
Disclaimer
This Support Knowledgebase provides a valuable tool for SUSE customers and parties interested in our products and solutions to acquire information, ideas and learn from one another. Materials are provided for informational, personal or non-commercial use within your organization and are presented "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.
- Document ID:7010716
- Creation Date: 31-Aug-2012
- Modified Date:16-Mar-2021
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- SUSE Linux Enterprise Server
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