- A
Enter global configuration mode, configure NTP server, configure logging host, enable logging of NTP events, verify.
This is the correct sequence: first enter config mode, then set the NTP server, then configure syslog to send to the remote server, enable NTP event logging, and finally verify.
- B
Enter global configuration mode, configure logging host, configure NTP server, enable logging of NTP events, verify.
This is incorrect because the NTP server should be configured before the logging host to ensure NTP synchronization is established before logging is set up.
- C
Enter global configuration mode, enable logging of NTP events, configure NTP server, configure logging host, verify.
This is incorrect because enabling NTP event logging before configuring the NTP server would have no effect, as there is no NTP source yet.
- D
Enter global configuration mode, configure NTP server, enable logging of NTP events, configure logging host, verify.
This is incorrect because the logging host should be configured before enabling NTP event logging to ensure the log server is ready to receive messages.
Quick Answer
The correct order is: enter global configuration mode, configure NTP server, configure logging host, enable logging of NTP events, then verify. This sequence is essential because the NTP server must be set first to establish a reliable time source; configuring the logging host before the NTP server would send syslog messages with inaccurate timestamps, making troubleshooting useless. On the CCNA 200-301 v2 exam, this drag-and-drop task tests your understanding of dependency logic in network services—a common trap is enabling NTP event logging before the logging host exists, which drops those critical messages. Remember that time synchronization must precede any logging destination, and the logging host must be ready before you turn on event generation. A simple memory tip is “Time first, host second, logging third”—this mirrors the natural flow of establishing a source, a destination, and then the traffic between them.
CCNA AI and Network Operations Practice Question
This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of ai and network operations. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to configure an IOS-XE device as an NTP client and set up syslog reporting of NTP events to a remote log server.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Enter global configuration mode, configure NTP server, configure logging host, enable logging of NTP events, verify.
First, enter global configuration mode. Then configure the NTP server to define the time source. Next, configure the logging host to specify the remote syslog server. After that, enable logging of NTP events so that NTP-related syslog messages are generated and sent to the configured host. Finally, verify the configuration. Option B is wrong because configuring the logging host before the NTP server would attempt to send logs before time synchronization is set up, and the NTP server must be configured first to generate NTP events. Option C is incorrect because enabling NTP event logging before configuring both the NTP server and the logging host means there is no NTP server to generate events and no logging destination to send them to. Option D is wrong because enabling logging of NTP events before configuring the logging host would cause generated messages to be dropped if the logging host is not yet set; the logging host must be configured before enabling NTP event logging.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Enter global configuration mode, configure NTP server, configure logging host, enable logging of NTP events, verify.
- ✓
Enter global configuration mode, configure logging host, configure NTP server, enable logging of NTP events, verify.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because the NTP server should be configured before the logging host to ensure NTP synchronization is established before logging is set up.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Enter global configuration mode, enable logging of NTP events, configure NTP server, configure logging host, verify.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because enabling NTP event logging before configuring the NTP server would have no effect, as there is no NTP source yet.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Enter global configuration mode, configure NTP server, enable logging of NTP events, configure logging host, verify.
Why this is correct
This is incorrect because the logging host should be configured before enabling NTP event logging to ensure the log server is ready to receive messages.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 200-301 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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AI and Network Operations — study guide chapter
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AI and Network Operations practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-301 question test?
AI and Network Operations — This question tests AI and Network Operations — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enter global configuration mode, configure NTP server, configure logging host, enable logging of NTP events, verify. — First, enter global configuration mode. Then configure the NTP server to define the time source. Next, configure the logging host to specify the remote syslog server. After that, enable logging of NTP events so that NTP-related syslog messages are generated and sent to the configured host. Finally, verify the configuration. Option B is wrong because configuring the logging host before the NTP server would attempt to send logs before time synchronization is set up, and the NTP server must be configured first to generate NTP events. Option C is incorrect because enabling NTP event logging before configuring both the NTP server and the logging host means there is no NTP server to generate events and no logging destination to send them to. Option D is wrong because enabling logging of NTP events before configuring the logging host would cause generated messages to be dropped if the logging host is not yet set; the logging host must be configured before enabling NTP event logging.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 200-301 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on 200-301
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Drag and drop the following steps into the correct order to configure an IOS-XE device as an NTP client and ensure its syslog messages are sent to a remote server with correct timestamps.
medium- ✓ A.Enter global configuration mode, configure the NTP server, configure the logging host and source interface, then verify with show commands.
- ✓ B.Configure the logging host first, then enter global configuration mode, set the NTP server, and verify.
- ✓ C.Enter global configuration mode, configure the logging host and source interface, then set the NTP server, and verify.
- ✓ D.Set the NTP server first, then verify, then enter global configuration mode, and configure logging.
Why A: First, enter global config, then set the NTP server, configure syslog destination and source interface, and finally verify both services.
Last reviewed: Jun 6, 2026
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