Network Time Protocol
Network Time Protocol is a networking standard used to synchronize the clocks of computer systems over packet-switched, variable-latency data networks. In blockchain architecture, it serves as the baseline for timekeeping before more advanced, protocol-specific mechanisms are applied.
While essential for basic connectivity, it is often insufficient for the extreme precision required by high-frequency decentralized finance protocols. It is susceptible to network-based attacks, such as time-shifting, which can be exploited to manipulate the perceived order of transactions.
Consequently, most robust financial protocols supplement this with internal, cryptographically verifiable timing methods to ensure that market data remains accurate and resistant to external interference.