CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)Networking ConceptsEasy
A network engineer wants all switches and routers to keep synchronized timestamps for accurate event log correlation. Which protocol and port combination should be configured?
- ASSH over TCP 22
- BNTP over UDP 123
- CSyslog over UDP 514
- DSNMP over UDP 161
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. NTP over UDP 123
NTP (Network Time Protocol) synchronizes device clocks across a network and operates over UDP port 123, which is essential for accurate log timestamps and troubleshooting event correlation.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. SSH provides secure remote CLI access, unrelated to clock sync.
- C. Syslog transmits log messages, not time synchronization data.
- D. SNMP is used for device monitoring and management, not time synchronization.
NTP (Network Time Protocol)
NTP synchronizes device clocks across a network to ensure consistent timestamps for logging and troubleshooting.
- Uses UDP port 123
- Critical for accurate log correlation
- Hierarchical stratum levels define time source accuracy
Memory trick: NTP keeps every clock ticking in tune.