The answer is Syslog, the standard protocol for centralized log collection from network devices like routers and switches. Syslog, defined in RFC 5424, enables these devices to send event messages to a central server, typically over UDP port 514, though TCP port 6514 can be used for reliable delivery. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this question tests your understanding of logging and monitoring fundamentals, often appearing in troubleshooting or network operations scenarios. A common trap is confusing Syslog with SNMP—remember that SNMP is for polling device metrics, while Syslog is for pushing unsolicited log messages. For a quick memory tip, think “Syslog sends the story, SNMP checks the stats.”
N10-009 Network Operations Practice Question
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of 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.
A network administrator wants to collect logs from multiple routers and switches to a central server for analysis. Which protocol should be configured on the devices to send logs to the server?
Why wrong: SNMP is used for monitoring and managing devices, but it is not designed to transport log messages; syslog is the appropriate protocol for logging.
B
Syslog
Syslog is specifically designed for logging and log collection, making it the correct choice.
C
NetFlow
Why wrong: NetFlow is used for traffic flow analysis, not for collecting device logs.
D
TFTP
Why wrong: TFTP is used for file transfer, typically for firmware updates or configuration backups, not for streaming logs.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Syslog
Syslog (RFC 5424) is the standard protocol for sending event messages (logs) from network devices like routers and switches to a central log server. It uses UDP port 514 by default (or TCP 6514 for reliable delivery) and allows administrators to collect, store, and analyze system messages from multiple devices in one location.
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.
✗
SNMP
Why it's wrong here
SNMP is used for monitoring and managing devices, but it is not designed to transport log messages; syslog is the appropriate protocol for logging.
✓
Syslog
Why this is correct
Syslog is specifically designed for logging and log collection, making it the correct choice.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
NetFlow
Why it's wrong here
NetFlow is used for traffic flow analysis, not for collecting device logs.
✗
TFTP
Why it's wrong here
TFTP is used for file transfer, typically for firmware updates or configuration backups, not for streaming logs.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between SNMP traps (event alerts) and syslog (continuous log streaming), leading candidates to mistakenly choose SNMP because they think 'traps' are the same as sending logs.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Syslog messages are formatted with a priority value (facility × 8 + severity) and include a timestamp, hostname, and message text. In production, administrators often configure multiple syslog servers for redundancy and use logging buffered, logging console, and logging monitor commands alongside logging host to control where logs are sent. A common subtlety is that syslog uses UDP by default, which is connectionless and can drop messages under heavy load, so mission-critical environments may switch to TCP or use reliable syslog extensions like RFC 3195 or syslog over TLS.
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 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this N10-009 question in full detail.
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: Syslog — Syslog (RFC 5424) is the standard protocol for sending event messages (logs) from network devices like routers and switches to a central log server. It uses UDP port 514 by default (or TCP 6514 for reliable delivery) and allows administrators to collect, store, and analyze system messages from multiple devices in one location.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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