hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
XK0-006 Practice Question: An administrator is tasked with setting up a new…
An administrator is tasked with setting up a new server that will run a time-sensitive application. The system must have accurate time synchronization. The administrator configures chronyd and adds four NTP servers. After verifying, the administrator notices that the system time drifts significantly. Which configuration parameter in /etc/chrony.conf is most likely causing the drift despite multiple servers?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mistake is to think that adding more NTP servers or adjusting polling intervals solves drift, when the real issue is a directive like `local stratum` that overrides external synchronization.
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
✓
local stratum 10
The `local stratum 10` directive tells chronyd to treat the local clock as a time source with stratum 10 even when it is not synchronized to any external NTP server. This effectively disables the client's ability to discipline the system clock using the configured NTP servers, because chronyd will consider the local clock as a valid reference and not apply corrections from the remote servers, leading to significant time drift.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
pollinterval 2
Why it's wrong here
Small pollinterval increases polling, reducing drift.
- ✗
minsources 2
Why it's wrong here
Minimum sources to synchronize; if too low, might tolerate inaccurate sources.
- ✗
makestep 100 -1
Why it's wrong here
Large makestep allows stepping if required.
- ✗
maxslewrate 1000
Why it's wrong here
Large maxslewrate allows fast slewing, not drift.
- ✓
local stratum 10
Why this is correct
Declares local clock as a high-priority time source, overriding NTP servers.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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