Allow setting IP address of NTP server(s) via DHCP Option

[Eric.C.Miller]

Per the topic heading, an enhancement to allow users to configure the Hubitat NTP server IP address via DHCP Option.

[kahn-hubitat]

as far as i know (could be wrong) that is not part of the dhcp protocols .. at least no routers or devices i have , have the option for that.. most devices i have that allow setting it have a separate interface for it.

i assume hubitat would also have to add it to the network settings or create an access point for that.

[Alan_F]

@kahn-hubitat

as far as i know (could be wrong)

DHCP option 42 sets the NTP server. A quick web search indicates it may not be well supported by client devices.

[a.mcdear]

I, too, would love this setting added as I host my own NTP server. It is set up in my DHCP scope to push it to clients but, but it is true that the option isn't widely supported so it would be real nice to have an option to set it manually.

[dennypage]

The DHCP option to provide NTP servers is pretty standard these days. The main issues are IoT devices… too many of these treat NTP as an afterthought.

[ogiewon]

@a.mcdear

it would be real nice to have an option to set it manually.

You can force the NTP server, if desired, using an endpoint. See the following:

Issues in 2.2.4 Latest

There is no DHCP setting for NTP, true, but we got these endpoints (since 2.2.4): /hub/advanced/scanForNtpServers - scans local network for NTP servers and shows the list. /hub/advanced/ntpServer - shows current NTP server /hub/advanced/ntpServer/<-value-> - sets NTP server In my limited experience, emails sent using SMTP from a home IP address are most likely to get rejected outright by the ISPs, anyway. There are too many malware/spambot networks out there. Even with reputed providers, …

[a.mcdear]

Thanks. That's super handy to know!

[ritchierich]

My old Asus router using Merlin firmware had a built in NTP server and it would route all requests to it. I lost this feature when I transitioned to Unifi equipment. I don’t believe Unifi offers such a feature, at least I haven’t been able to find it, and curious where folks are running local NTP servers.

[jkudave]

@ritchierich

I don’t believe Unifi offers such a feature, at least I haven’t been able to find it

It doesn't.

@ritchierich

curious where folks are running local NTP servers.

Windows or Linux server, router, Raspberry Pi. There are numerous options.

[a.mcdear]

@ritchierich

curious where folks are running local NTP servers.

I run mine on my router (pfSense)

[jshimota]

Domain server.

[croweflight]

Options are part of DHCP but are not supported on most consumer level devices. Run bind 9 on a linux platform. A raspberry pi can run it. Not only can options hold the address for NTP but also assign VoIP vlan and things like smtp (email) relay, and where the directory server is. Many details pertaining to the network environment can be defined. Thing is the client must request what option it needs before the data will be delivered. So even if the DHCP service has all those options the client must ask and Hubitat does not.