Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped
Exhibit
R1# show ntp associations address ref clock st when poll reach delay offset disp ~192.0.2.50 203.0.113.1 3 12 64 377 22.1 0.8 1.2 *198.51.100.20 .GPS. 1 14 64 377 18.3 0.4 0.9
Exhibit: A branch router receives time from an NTP server, but the show output marks the server with a tilde instead of an asterisk. What does that mean?
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
That server is the current system clock source
The asterisk marks the selected synchronization source.
B
Best answer
The server is reachable but not the one currently selected for synchronization
It is seen by the router, but it is not the chosen source.
C
Distractor review
NTP authentication has disabled the server permanently
The symbol alone does not mean permanent disablement.
D
Distractor review
The router is acting as an NTP master for that server
That is not what the association symbol indicates.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common exam trap is mistaking the tilde (~) symbol for the asterisk (*) in NTP output, leading to the false belief that the server marked with a tilde is the current synchronization source. Candidates may also incorrectly assume that a tilde means the server is unreachable or disabled, which is not true. This confusion can cause incorrect troubleshooting or configuration decisions, such as unnecessarily removing or reconfiguring a valid NTP server that is simply a backup candidate. Recognizing that only the asterisk marks the active source prevents this mistake.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
Network Time Protocol (NTP) is a critical IP service used to synchronize the clocks of network devices to a reliable time source. Cisco routers use NTP to maintain accurate time, which is essential for logging, security protocols, and time-sensitive operations. When a router synchronizes with an NTP server, it establishes an association, and the show ntp associations command displays these associations with symbols indicating their status. In Cisco IOS, the asterisk (*) symbol marks the NTP server currently selected as the synchronization source, meaning the router uses that server's time to set its system clock. Other symbols, such as a tilde (~), indicate servers that are reachable and valid NTP peers but are not currently selected as the primary time source. The router prefers the server with the best synchronization quality, determined by factors like stratum level and reachability, and marks it with the asterisk, while others remain candidates. A common exam trap is to confuse the tilde (~) symbol with the asterisk (*) or to assume it means the server is unreachable or disabled. However, the tilde simply means the server is recognized and reachable but not the active synchronization source. Understanding these symbols helps network engineers verify NTP status accurately and troubleshoot time synchronization issues effectively in Cisco environments.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- NTP uses associations to represent time sources, and Cisco routers display these with symbols indicating synchronization status.
- The asterisk (*) symbol marks the NTP server currently selected as the router's system clock synchronization source.
- A tilde (~) symbol indicates an NTP server is reachable and valid but not currently selected as the active synchronization source.
- Cisco routers select the NTP server with the best stratum and reachability as the preferred synchronization source.
- NTP synchronization status symbols help network engineers verify which server is actively used and which are candidates.
- Misinterpreting NTP symbols can lead to incorrect assumptions about time synchronization health and troubleshooting steps.
- The router does not disable or permanently reject servers marked with a tilde; they remain valid backup sources.
- Understanding NTP association symbols is essential for accurate time service monitoring and troubleshooting in Cisco networks.
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 uses associations to represent time sources, and Cisco routers display these with symbols indicating synchronization status.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The server is reachable but not the one currently selected for synchronization — In NTP output, the asterisk marks the current synchronization source. A tilde or other symbol can indicate a candidate or less preferred association, so the router has not selected that server as the active time source.
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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