Dell PowerConnect 8100 User's Configuration Guide - Page 240

The switch can obtain the time from a Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP) server, or you can set the time manually. Table 12-2 describes the settings that help the switch keep track of time. Table 12-2. Time Settings Feature SNTP Real time clock (RTC) Time Zone Summer Time Description Controls whether the switch obtains its system time from an SNTP server and whether communication with the SNTP server requires authentication and encryption. You can configure information for up to eight SNTP servers. The SNTP client on the switch can accept updates from both IPv4 and IPv6 SNTP servers. If SNTP is disabled, you can manually enter the system time and date. Allows you to specify the offset from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), which is also known as Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). In some regions, the time shifts by one hour in the fall and spring. In the United States, this is called daylight saving time. Why Does System Information Need to Be Configured? Configuring system information is optional. However, it can be helpful in providing administrative information about the switch. For example, if you manage several standalone PowerConnect 8000/8100-series switches and have Telnet sessions open with several different switches, the system name can help you quickly identify the switch because the host name replaces console as the CLI command prompt. The Banner can provide information about the switch status. For example, if multiple users connect to the switch, the message of the day (MOTD) banner might alert everyone who connects to the switch about a scheduled switch image upgrade. 240 Managing General System Settings