# NTPsec

> implementation of Network Time Protocol

**Wikidata**: [Q125526030](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q125526030)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NTPsec)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ntpsec

## Summary
NTPsec is a software implementation of the Network Time Protocol (NTP). It is classified as a non-tangible executable component used to synchronize computer clocks over a network. The project is publicly accessible via its official website and source code repositories.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type:** Software instance.
- **Primary Function:** Implementation of the Network Time Protocol.
- **Official Website:** https://www.ntpsec.org/
- **Source Code Repository:** The preferred source code repository is hosted on GitLab at `https://gitlab.com/NTPsec/ntpsec`. A mirror is available on GitHub.
- **License:** The project is distributed under multiple licenses, including the Apache Software License 2.0, MIT License, ISC license, NTP License, and 2-clause, 3-clause, and 4-clause BSD Licenses.
- **Additional Licensing:** Other applicable licenses include Beerware and Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International.
- **Documentation:** The software is documented on ArchWiki (Article: NTPsec).
- **Package Availability:** It is available as a port in MacPorts (`ntpsec`) and tracked as a project named `ntpsec` in Repology.

## FAQs
### Q: What is NTPsec?
A: NTPsec is a software implementation of the Network Time Protocol. It functions as an executable component for computers to facilitate network time synchronization.

### Q: Where can the source code for NTPsec be found?
A: The primary source code repository is hosted on GitLab at `https://gitlab.com/NTPsec/ntpsec`. There is also a repository mirror located on GitHub.

### Q: Under what licenses is NTPsec distributed?
A: NTPsec uses a multi-license distribution model. It includes the Apache Software License 2.0, NTP License, MIT License, ISC license, several variants of the BSD License, Beerware, and Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International.

## Why It Matters
NTPsec serves as a functional implementation of the Network Time Protocol, a critical infrastructure component for maintaining accurate time across computer networks. As a software entity, it provides the executable logic necessary for systems to participate in time synchronization, which is foundational for network security, logging, and event sequencing.

The project is significant for its open development model, maintaining a presence on major platforms like GitLab and GitHub, and its inclusion in package managers like MacPorts. Its licensing structure is particularly comprehensive; by incorporating a wide array of open-source licenses—ranging from the Apache Software License and BSD variants to Beerware and Creative Commons—it accommodates a diverse ecosystem of code contributions and usage scenarios. This complexity suggests a codebase that aggregates or interacts with various components having distinct origins, maximizing its compatibility and reusability within the software community.

## Notable For
- **Multi-License Distribution:** Unlike many projects that use a single license, NTPsec incorporates at least nine different licenses (including Beerware and CC-BY-4.0) to cover its code and documentation.
- **Protocol Implementation:** It is a distinct software implementation of the standard Network Time Protocol.
- **Open Repository Access:** The project maintains a preferred GitLab repository alongside a GitHub mirror, ensuring broad accessibility for developers.
- **ArchWiki Presence:** The software has a dedicated entry in the ArchWiki, indicating its relevance and usage within the Linux community.

## Body
### Software Classification
NTPsec is explicitly classified as **software**, defined as a non-tangible executable component of a computer. Its primary designation is an **implementation of the Network Time Protocol**. It is listed in Wikidata with the description "implementation of Network Time Protocol."

### Development and Repositories
The project maintains an open-source development model with verified source code repositories.
- **Primary Repository:** The preferred source for code is located at `https://gitlab.com/NTPsec/ntpsec`. This is referenced as the main distribution point for downloads.
- **Mirror:** A secondary repository mirror is maintained at `https://github.com/ntpsec/ntpsec`.

### Licensing Structure
NTPsec is distributed under a complex combination of permissive free software licenses. Verified references from the project's `LICENSES` directory and official website confirm the inclusion of:
- **Apache Software License 2.0**
- **BSD Licenses:** Includes 2-clause, 3-clause, and 4-clause versions.
- **MIT License**
- **ISC License**
- **NTP License**
- **Beerware**
- **Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International**

### External Resources and Community
The project maintains an official web presence at `https://www.ntpsec.org/` (English).
- **Package Management:** The software is tracked as the project `ntpsec` in Repology and is available as a port named `ntpsec` in MacPorts.
- **Documentation:** Community documentation is available via an ArchWiki article titled "NTPsec" (ID: 29065).

## References

1. [Source](https://gitlab.com/NTPsec/ntpsec/-/tree/master/LICENSES)
2. [Source](https://www.ntpsec.org/license.html)
3. [Source](https://www.ntpsec.org/downloads.html)
4. [Source](https://gitlab.com/groups/NTPsec)