If the network time is changed to an earlier time while in fine sync, what happens to non-NTRs and the NTR?

• A. Non-NTRs will acquire fine sync on re-entry automatically
• B. Non-NTRs will not acquire fine sync with re-entry; the NTR must standby and change the time, then re-enter and achieve fine sync
• C. The NTR will not be affected
• D. The system auto-stabilizes after re-entry

Answer: (B)

In Link 16, precise timing across the network comes from the Network Time Reference, which all participants use to stay in tight sync for slot timing. If the network time is moved to an earlier point while you’re in fine sync, the time basis you and others rely on becomes inconsistent. Non-NTRs can’t automatically re-acquire fine sync simply by re-entering because their timing depends on the updated network time from the NTR. The correct approach is for the NTR to go into standby, adjust the time to the new value, then re-enter. Once the NTR is back with the new time, non-NTRs can re-synchronize to that reference and achieve fine sync again.