Quick Answer
The answer is the Network Time Protocol (NTP). NTP is the correct choice because it is specifically designed to synchronize clocks across network devices using a hierarchical system of stratum levels, ensuring millisecond-level accuracy for log correlation and security event analysis. Without synchronized time, timestamps from different devices would be misaligned, making it impossible to reconstruct attack timelines or diagnose faults accurately. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this question tests your understanding of core network services and their purposes; a common trap is confusing NTP with SNMP (which monitors device health) or DNS (which resolves names). Remember the memory tip: NTP keeps the Network’s Time Precise—think of it as the clock that lets your logs tell the same story.
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of network operations. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 wants to ensure all network devices have synchronized time for accurate log correlation and security event analysis. Which protocol should be implemented?
SNMP
Why wrong: SNMP is used for monitoring and managing network devices, not for time synchronization.
NTP
NTP provides accurate time synchronization over a network, typically using a hierarchy of time servers.
FTP
Why wrong: FTP is used for file transfer, not time synchronization.
HTTP
Why wrong: HTTP is a protocol for transferring web content, not for clock synchronization.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
NTP
NTP (Network Time Protocol) is the correct choice because it is specifically designed to synchronize clocks across network devices using a hierarchical system of time sources, ensuring millisecond-level accuracy. Accurate time synchronization is critical for correlating logs and security events across multiple devices, as timestamps must match to reconstruct attack timelines or diagnose faults.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
SNMP
Why it's wrong here
SNMP is used for monitoring and managing network devices, not for time synchronization.
NTP
Why this is correct
NTP provides accurate time synchronization over a network, typically using a hierarchy of time servers.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
FTP
Why it's wrong here
FTP is used for file transfer, not time synchronization.
HTTP
Why it's wrong here
HTTP is a protocol for transferring web content, not for clock synchronization.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between NTP for time sync and SNMP for management, so candidates may mistakenly choose SNMP because they associate it with network monitoring and overlook that it does not synchronize clocks.
Detailed technical explanation
NTP operates over UDP port 123 and uses a stratum hierarchy to define distance from a reference clock (e.g., stratum 0 is an atomic clock, stratum 1 is directly synchronized to it). The protocol employs Marzullo's algorithm to select the best time source and can achieve accuracy within a few milliseconds over the public internet, or sub-millisecond on local networks. In a real-world scenario, a security analyst investigating a breach across firewalls, servers, and switches relies on NTP to ensure that timestamps from different devices align, preventing false conclusions from skewed logs.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the N10-009 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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FAQ
Network Operations — This question tests Network Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: NTP — NTP (Network Time Protocol) is the correct choice because it is specifically designed to synchronize clocks across network devices using a hierarchical system of time sources, ensuring millisecond-level accuracy. Accurate time synchronization is critical for correlating logs and security events across multiple devices, as timestamps must match to reconstruct attack timelines or diagnose faults.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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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