LPIC-1 Essential System Services and Networking Practice Question
A junior system administrator is tasked with setting up a new Linux server that will act as a network time client. The server must synchronize its clock with the external NTP pool servers 0.pool.ntp.org, 1.pool.ntp.org, and 2.pool.ntp.org. The administrator installs the ntp package and edits /etc/ntp.conf to include the following lines:
server 0.pool.ntp.org server 1.pool.ntp.org server 2.pool.ntp.org
However, after restarting the ntpd service, the administrator notices that the system time does not appear to be synchronized. The command 'ntpq -p' returns no output. The administrator checks the status of the ntpd service with 'systemctl status ntp' and sees that the service is active (running). What is the most likely reason for the synchronization failure?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates assume a running service with configured servers should immediately synchronize, overlooking ntpd's default conservative behavior of refusing large time jumps, which is a common cause of apparent synchronization failure in exam scenarios.
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 ntpd daemon is configured to only adjust the clock gradually and refuses to make large time jumps by default.
The ntpd daemon, by default, refuses to make large time jumps (typically more than 128 ms) to prevent abrupt time changes. If the clock is significantly out of sync, ntpd will not adjust it, even if it eventually contacts the NTP servers. The empty output from 'ntpq -p' could indicate that no server associations have been formed yet, but the fundamental reason for the synchronization failure is ntpd's conservative stepping policy. To synchronize the clock, the administrator should manually set the system time close to the correct time or use the 'ntpd -g' option to allow a one-time large step.
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 NTP servers are unreachable due to a firewall blocking UDP port 123.
Why it's wrong here
While possible, the 'ntpq -p' would typically show the server entries with 'reach' if the service is running, even if unreachable; also, the question states the service is active, but no output suggests ntpd is not communicating.
- ✓
The ntpd daemon is configured to only adjust the clock gradually and refuses to make large time jumps by default.
Why this is correct
ntpd will not step the time if the offset is too large; the -g flag or ntpdate command should be used initially.
- ✗
The ntp.conf file is missing the 'pool' directive; instead, 'server' lines are used incorrectly.
Why it's wrong here
Using 'server' lines is perfectly valid for specifying NTP servers.
- ✗
The ntpd service is not enabled to start at boot, so it stopped after the administrator logged out.
Why it's wrong here
The status shows 'active (running)', so it is currently running.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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