- A
The output of 'show clock' does not have an asterisk (*) next to the time.
The asterisk indicates the clock is synchronized to an NTP source.
- B
The output of 'show ntp associations' shows a dot (.) instead of an asterisk (*) for the peer.
A dot means the association is configured but not synchronized.
- C
Syslog messages indicate 'NTP synchronization lost'.
Such syslog messages directly indicate a loss of NTP sync.
- D
The output of 'show ntp status' shows 'Clock is synchronized'.
Why wrong: This indicates successful synchronization, not failure.
- E
The command 'ntp peer 10.1.1.1' is configured.
Why wrong: This is a configuration command, not a symptom of failure.
Question 513 of 2,152
Three Key Symptoms of NTP Synchronization Failure
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of device management. 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.
Which THREE symptoms indicate that a device's NTP synchronization is failing? (Choose THREE.)
Quick Answer
The answer is syslog messages indicating 'NTP synchronization lost', the clock being unsynchronized as shown by the missing asterisk in 'show clock', and NTP associations displaying a period instead of an asterisk in 'show ntp associations'. These three symptoms directly confirm that a device has lost its time reference, as NTP relies on a stratum hierarchy where the asterisk marks the synchronized, preferred peer. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish actual failure indicators from normal operational output or configuration commands—a common trap is confusing 'show ntp status' (which shows synchronization state) with the symptom itself, or mistaking 'ntp peer' configuration for a failure sign. Remember that a missing asterisk means missing sync; think of the asterisk as a star that only shines when time is locked.
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
✓
The output of 'show clock' does not have an asterisk (*) next to the time.
Option A is correct because the asterisk (*) next to the time in the output of 'show clock' indicates that the device's clock is synchronized via NTP. If the asterisk is missing, the clock is not synchronized, which is a direct symptom of NTP synchronization failure.
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 output of 'show clock' does not have an asterisk (*) next to the time.
Why this is correct
The asterisk indicates the clock is synchronized to an NTP source.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
The output of 'show ntp associations' shows a dot (.) instead of an asterisk (*) for the peer.
Why this is correct
A dot means the association is configured but not synchronized.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Syslog messages indicate 'NTP synchronization lost'.
- ✗
The output of 'show ntp status' shows 'Clock is synchronized'.
Why it's wrong here
This indicates successful synchronization, not failure.
- ✗
The command 'ntp peer 10.1.1.1' is configured.
Why it's wrong here
This is a configuration command, not a symptom of failure.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between NTP association status symbols (asterisk vs. dot) and the synchronization state in 'show ntp status', leading candidates to confuse a reachable peer with a synchronized one.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This is a configuration command, not a symptom of failure.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NTP uses a hierarchical system of stratum levels to synchronize time. The 'show ntp associations' command displays the status of NTP peers, where an asterisk (*) denotes the synchronized peer, while a dot (.) indicates that the peer is reachable but not synchronized. Syslog messages such as 'NTP synchronization lost' are generated when the device loses its time source, often due to network issues or NTP server unavailability.
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 300-410 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 300-410 question test?
Device Management — This question tests Device Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The output of 'show clock' does not have an asterisk (*) next to the time. — Option A is correct because the asterisk (*) next to the time in the output of 'show clock' indicates that the device's clock is synchronized via NTP. If the asterisk is missing, the clock is not synchronized, which is a direct symptom of NTP synchronization failure.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 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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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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