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Method and apparatus for time synchronization in a network data processing system

a network data processing and time synchronization technology, applied in the field of data processing systems, can solve the problems of security holes in the kerberos system, the kerberos system does not provide a time synchronization mechanism, and the difficulty of clock synchronization between machines on different networks or in different geographical locations

Inactive Publication Date: 2002-06-20
IBM CORP
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Kerberos does not provide a time synchronization mechanism.
As Kerberos technology is being pushed to the Internet arena, it is more difficult to achieve clock synchronization among machines on different networks or in different geographical locations.
This brings the necessity to be able to dynamically synchronize a principal's time with different servers' times. The current approach does not address this requirement.
Furthermore, a security hole may be introduced into the Kerberos system because this current approach relies on the clock settings of workstations.

Method used

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Embodiment Construction

[0021] With reference now to the figures, FIG. 1 depicts a pictorial representation of a network of data processing systems in which the present invention may be implemented. Network data processing system 100 is a network of computers in which the present invention may be implemented. Network data processing system 100 contains a network 102, which is the medium used to provide communications links between various devices and computers connected together within network data processing system 100. Network 102 may include connections, such as wire, wireless communication links, or fiber optic cables.

[0022] In the depicted example, a server 104 is connected to network 102 along with storage unit 106. In addition, clients 108, 110, and 112 also are connected to network 102. These clients 108, 110, and 112 may be, for example, personal computers or network computers. In the depicted example, server 104 is a file server and provides data, such as boot files, operating system images, and ...

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PUM

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Abstract

A method, apparatus, and computer implemented instructions for synchronizing time in a network data processing system. A request for time synchronization is received at a target data processing system. A current target time at the target data processing system is placed in a reply. The reply is sent to the source data processing system. A current source time from when the reply is received at the source data processing system is compared to the current target time to generate a comparison. A synchronization factor is generated using the comparison.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001] 1. Technical Field[0002] The present invention relates generally to an improved data processing system, and in particular to a method and apparatus for synchronizing time. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for synchronizing time for an authentication system in a network data processing system.[0003] 2. Description of Related Art[0004] In a multi-user computer system, identification and authentication mechanisms are essential for identifying and authenticating each individual who requests any usage of system resources. One solution is known as "Kerberos". Originally developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Kerberos is a distributed authentication services that allows a client process running on behalf of a principal (e.g., a user) to prove its identity to a remote server without transmitting passwords over a potentially insecure network.[0005] Kerberos requires principals to have secret ke...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): H04J3/06H04L9/32
CPCH04J3/0667H04L9/083H04L9/12H04L9/3297
Inventor RICH, BRUCE ARLANDZHANG, XIAOYAN
Owner IBM CORP
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