Which protocol is primarily used to synchronize the clocks of computers over a network?

The Network Time Protocol (NTP) is the widely used protocol for synchronizing the clocks of computers over a network. It operates by allowing clients to request the current time from a time server, which can then be utilized to adjust the client's clock to ensure that all devices within a network share the same time reference. This synchronization is critical for a wide range of applications, including time-stamping events, coordinating distributed systems, and ensuring the accuracy of logs and data entries.

NTP is designed to handle varying network latencies and provides mechanisms for ensuring accuracy and reliability, sometimes achieving synchronization within milliseconds over the Internet and even better in local networks. Given its robustness, it is the standard for time synchronization in networked environments.

In contrast, while Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP) is a simplified version of NTP, it is less accurate and primarily suited for scenarios where high precision is not necessary. Time Synchronization Protocol and Clock Synchronization Protocol are not standard protocols widely recognized in the context of computer networking, and they do not specifically serve the same purpose as NTP. Thus, the Network Time Protocol is the best and most accurate choice for synchronizing clocks across a network.