- A
The syslog server is using the wrong protocol (TCP instead of UDP)
Why wrong: While some syslog implementations support TCP, by default syslog uses UDP. The issue is more likely a firewall blocking the port.
- B
UDP port 514 is blocked between the router and the server
The router can reach the server (ping works), so the path is up. Syslog relies on UDP 514; if that port is blocked, logs will not be delivered.
- C
The syslog service on the server is not running
Why wrong: If the service were not running, the server would not respond, but that would not prevent the router from sending the messages; the server simply would not log them. The lack of receipt indicates a delivery problem.
- D
The router's clock is not synchronized with the server
Why wrong: Time synchronization affects log timestamps but does not prevent the router from sending syslog messages.
Quick Answer
The answer is that a firewall or ACL blocking UDP port 514 is the most likely cause. Syslog messages are transmitted over UDP port 514 by default, and since the administrator can successfully ping the router from the server, ICMP traffic is passing—confirming Layer 3 connectivity. However, the absence of logs indicates that the specific transport-layer port for syslog is being filtered, a classic scenario where network reachability exists but a firewall rule or access control list is dropping the UDP datagrams. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this question tests your ability to differentiate between ICMP-based reachability and application-layer port filtering, a common trap where candidates assume ping success means all traffic flows. Remember the memory tip: “Ping proves the path, but ports prove the protocol”—always verify that the correct UDP or TCP port is open when a service fails despite successful pings.
N10-009 Network Operations Practice Question
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of network operations. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
A network administrator configures a router to send syslog messages to a central log server. The administrator can ping the server from the router, but the server is not receiving any logs. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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
UDP port 514 is blocked between the router and the server
Syslog messages are sent via UDP port 514 by default. Since the administrator can ping the server (ICMP works), but no logs arrive, the most likely cause is that a firewall or ACL is blocking UDP port 514 between the router and the server. This is a classic connectivity issue where Layer 3 reachability exists but the specific transport-layer port is filtered.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The syslog server is using the wrong protocol (TCP instead of UDP)
- ✓
UDP port 514 is blocked between the router and the server
Why this is correct
The router can reach the server (ping works), so the path is up. Syslog relies on UDP 514; if that port is blocked, logs will not be delivered.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The syslog service on the server is not running
Why it's wrong here
If the service were not running, the server would not respond, but that would not prevent the router from sending the messages; the server simply would not log them. The lack of receipt indicates a delivery problem.
- ✗
The router's clock is not synchronized with the server
Why it's wrong here
Time synchronization affects log timestamps but does not prevent the router from sending syslog messages.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates see 'ping works' and assume full connectivity, forgetting that syslog uses a specific UDP port that may be filtered even when ICMP is permitted.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Syslog uses UDP port 514 for its transport, which is connectionless and does not provide delivery guarantees. A common real-world scenario is that network engineers forget to add an ACL permit statement for UDP 514 on the router's outbound interface or on a firewall between the devices, even when ICMP (ping) is allowed. Additionally, some syslog servers listen on UDP 514 by default, but if the server is configured to use TCP (e.g., port 6514), the router's default UDP syslog messages will never reach it.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this N10-009 question test?
Network Operations — This question tests Network Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: UDP port 514 is blocked between the router and the server — Syslog messages are sent via UDP port 514 by default. Since the administrator can ping the server (ICMP works), but no logs arrive, the most likely cause is that a firewall or ACL is blocking UDP port 514 between the router and the server. This is a classic connectivity issue where Layer 3 reachability exists but the specific transport-layer port is filtered.
What should I do if I get this N10-009 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This N10-009 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the N10-009 exam.
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