What protocol is used for time synchronization in a network?

The protocol used for time synchronization in a network is Network Time Protocol (NTP). NTP is designed to synchronize the clocks of computers over a network to ensure that time is consistently maintained across different systems. This is crucial in various applications, such as logging events accurately, coordinating operations in distributed systems, and ensuring that scheduled tasks run at the correct times.

NTP operates in a hierarchical system of time sources, which allows it to achieve high accuracy even across large networks with varying delays. It uses timestamps and established time sources to calculate the correct time, making it highly reliable for organizations that depend on precise timing for operations.

The other protocols listed are designed for different functions. Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) is used for sending emails, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is employed for transferring web pages, and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is utilized for transferring files between computers. Each of these protocols serves a distinct purpose and does not provide the time synchronization features that NTP offers.