Why would a log file contain a * next to the date?

Question

Options

• AThe network device was receiving NTP time when the log messages were recorded
• BThe network device was unable to reach the NTP server when the log messages were
• CThe network device is not configured to use NTP
• DThe network device is not configured to use NTP time stamps for logging.

• A
  5% (2)
• B
  3% (1)
• C
  89% (34)
• D
  3% (1)

Explanation

Log File Asterisk (*) Next to Date

An asterisk (*) appearing next to the date in a Cisco log file indicates that the device has no NTP configured, meaning the timestamp is unreliable because the device is relying on its own internal clock, which may not be accurate or synchronized. Option A is incorrect because a device successfully receiving NTP time would display a clean, validated timestamp without any special symbol. Option B is incorrect because a device that was configured for NTP but temporarily cannot reach the server would display a tilde (~) rather than an asterisk. Option D is incorrect because if timestamps were disabled entirely, no time information would appear in the log at all.

Memory Tip: Think of the asterisk as a "warning flag" - it's the router's way of saying "I'm guessing at the time because nobody told me what time it is!" Just remember: * = No NTP configured, ~ = NTP configured but unreachable.

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