Implementing and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies (ENCOR) v1.2InfrastructureEasy
A network engineer needs to configure a Cisco router to synchronize its time with a reliable external time source. The router should act as a client and periodically poll a designated NTP server to maintain accurate time. Which command is used to configure the router as an NTP client to synchronize with a specified server?
- Antp master
- Bntp authenticate
- Cntp broadcast
- Dntp server <ip-address>
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. ntp server <ip-address>
The `ntp server <ip-address>` command configures the router to act as an NTP client and poll the specified IP address as its NTP server. This is the standard method for a device to obtain accurate time from an external source.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. `ntp master` configures the router itself as an authoritative NTP server, not a client.
- B. `ntp authenticate` configures NTP authentication, which enhances security but does not define the client-server relationship.
- C. `ntp broadcast` configures the router to send or receive NTP broadcasts, which is less precise and not typically used for client synchronization with a specific server.
NTP Client Configuration
The process of configuring a network device to synchronize its clock with an external NTP server, ensuring accurate timekeeping across the network.
- Uses the `ntp server` command.
- Router acts as a client, polling the server.
- Essential for logging, security, and time-sensitive applications.
- Can specify multiple servers for redundancy.
Memory trick: NTP: How devices keep time in sync.