TimeZone Configuration
This document is a short, technical guide on setting the time zone for our main network equipment, called PE devices. The steps are the same as for other devices, but this guide shows where to find the time zone settings on PE devices and explains how to make sure their clocks, logs, and scheduled tasks are all using the correct local time.
The Time Zone Configuration menu on PE devices allows operators to select an IANA time zone (Continent/City) for the system clock. Correct time zone settings ensure accurate timestamps in logs, correct scheduling of cron jobs and maintenance tasks, and consistent behavior across distributed systems.
Link to CE Time Zone Documentation: CE Time Zone Configuration Document
Core Configuration Features
The Time Zone Configuration menu within the PE device's system settings provides the following primary functionalities:
| Field | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Time Zone dropdown | Selects IANA zone for the system clock (e.g., Asia/Shanghai). |
| Save Config | Commits the selected timezone to persistent device configuration. |
| Confirmation message | Displays a success message indicating the new timezone was applied. |
Basic Time Zone Configuration Process
Follow these steps to precisely configure the time zone on a PE device:
- Navigate to login > PE device > [Select PE device] > System > Time Zone Configuration.
- Open the Time Zone dropdown and select the appropriate IANA time zone (for example Asia/Shanghai).
- Click Save Config to commit the selection to the device configuration store.
- Verify the on-screen confirmation: Timezone Configured successfully.
Important Notes for Users
- Ensure the selected time zone matches the actual physical location of the device or the operational region it supports.
- Changing the time zone does not modify the system clock time itself — it only changes how the time is displayed and logged.
- Scheduled tasks (cron jobs) will begin running according to the new local time after the change.
- Always verify log timestamps after updating the time zone to avoid confusion during troubleshooting.
- If devices are part of a distributed network, try to maintain consistent or clearly-defined timezone policies across all nodes.
- Only authorized users should modify timezone settings, as incorrect settings may lead to log mismatches, audit inconsistencies, or maintenance scheduling issues.