Question 1easymultiple choice
Full question →easymultiple choiceObjective-mapped
A branch router should automatically learn the IP address of a time source so logs from all devices show matching timestamps. Which service provides that function?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
A
Distractor review
DNS
DNS resolves names, not time.
B
Best answer
NTP
NTP synchronizes device clocks.
C
Distractor review
TFTP
TFTP transfers files.
D
Distractor review
NetFlow
NetFlow records traffic patterns.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common exam trap is selecting DNS as the answer because it involves IP addresses and network services, tempting candidates to confuse name resolution with time synchronization. Another trap is choosing TFTP, since it is a network protocol often associated with configuration and file transfers, misleading candidates to think it manages device settings including time. NetFlow might also confuse candidates because it deals with network traffic data, but it does not affect device clocks. The key is to recognize that only NTP is designed specifically to synchronize time across devices, which is critical for matching timestamps in logs.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
Network Time Protocol (NTP) is a protocol designed to synchronize the clocks of network devices to a precise time source, typically an authoritative time server. Accurate time synchronization is critical in networking environments for consistent logging, event correlation, and security mechanisms. NTP operates by exchanging timestamped messages between clients and servers, allowing devices to adjust their clocks to match the reference time. Cisco routers and switches commonly use NTP to ensure all devices in a network share a consistent time base. In a Cisco networking context, NTP can be configured in client or server mode. Branch routers typically act as NTP clients, automatically learning the IP address of a designated NTP server either through manual configuration or dynamic discovery methods such as DHCP options. This automatic learning ensures that logs and syslog messages across devices have matching timestamps, which is essential for troubleshooting and auditing. Other protocols like DNS, TFTP, and NetFlow serve different purposes and do not provide time synchronization. A common exam trap is confusing NTP with DNS or other network services. DNS resolves domain names to IP addresses but does not synchronize time. TFTP is used for file transfers, and NetFlow collects traffic flow data, neither of which affect device clocks. Practically, if a router’s time is not synchronized via NTP, logs from different devices will have inconsistent timestamps, complicating network troubleshooting and security analysis. Therefore, understanding NTP’s role in IP services is crucial for the CCNA exam and real-world network operations.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- NTP synchronizes device clocks by exchanging timestamped messages to ensure consistent time across network devices.
- A branch router configured as an NTP client automatically learns the IP address of the NTP server to synchronize its clock.
- Accurate time synchronization via NTP enables consistent timestamps in syslog messages, improving troubleshooting and event correlation.
- DNS resolves hostnames to IP addresses and does not provide any time synchronization function for network devices.
- TFTP is a simple file transfer protocol used for configuration and image transfers, not for synchronizing device clocks.
- NetFlow collects and exports IP traffic flow data and does not influence device time or log timestamps.
- Cisco devices use NTP to maintain synchronized clocks, which is essential for security protocols, logging, and network management.
- Failing to use NTP leads to inconsistent timestamps across devices, complicating log analysis and network troubleshooting.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
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More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
Question 1
A router learns the same prefix from both OSPF and EIGRP. Which route is installed by default?
Question 2
A router shows this output: R1#show ip ospf neighbor Neighbor ID Pri State Dead Time Address Interface 10.1.1.2 1 FULL/DR 00:00:34 192.168.12.2 GigabitEthernet0/0 10.1.1.3 1 2WAY/DROTHER 00:00:39 192.168.12.3 GigabitEthernet0/0 Which statement is correct?
Question 3
What is the OSPF metric called?
Question 4
A non-root switch has two uplinks toward the root bridge. One path has a lower total STP cost than the other. What role will the lower-cost uplink have?
Question 5
A router interface applies this ACL inbound: 10 deny tcp any any eq 80 20 permit ip any any A user reports that web browsing to a server by IP address fails, but ping works. Which statement best explains the behavior?
Question 6
A router learns route 198.51.100.0/24 from OSPF with AD 110 and also has a static route to the same prefix configured with AD 150. Which route is installed?
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
NTP synchronizes device clocks by exchanging timestamped messages to ensure consistent time across network devices.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: NTP — NTP synchronizes clocks across network devices. When timestamps line up, syslog messages and troubleshooting output become much more useful.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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