How PTP Synchronizes Clocks

PTP estimates time through precise message exchange on a controlled local network. Hardware timestamping near the wire dramatically reduces measurement uncertainty.

Ready Press Play to start the PTP synchronization cycle.
Cycle
—
Offset estimate
—
follower − grandmaster
Path delay
—
one-way estimate
Timestamp mode
—
Correction applied
—
cumulative
Sync quality
—
Offset estimate over sync cycles
Measured offset Remaining error ── zero
Speed 1.0×
Presets:
Key insight: PTP reaches its full potential when the timing path itself is precise. Hardware timestamping near the NIC removes software-induced jitter, and PTP-aware switches can correct for their own forwarding delay. It's not just "NTP but more accurate" — it relies on a more precise timing path.