Which NTP mode must be activated when using a Cisco router as an NTP authoritative server?

Question

Options

• Aprimary
• Bserver
• Cbroadcast client
• Dpeer

• B
  88% (15)
• C
  6% (1)
• D
  6% (1)

Explanation

NTP Authoritative Server Mode Explanation

To configure a Cisco router as an NTP authoritative server - meaning it distributes time to clients - you use the ntp master command, which places the router in server mode (option B). This tells the router to act as a reliable time source, even if it cannot reach an upstream NTP server, by using its internal clock as a stratum reference.

Why the distractors are wrong:

• A (primary): "Primary" is not a valid NTP mode in Cisco IOS; this is simply a misleading term borrowed from other contexts like DNS.
• C (broadcast client): This mode makes a router receive NTP broadcasts passively rather than serve time to others - the opposite of what's needed.
• D (peer): Peer mode establishes a mutual time-synchronization relationship between two routers of equal standing, not a server-client hierarchy.

Memory Tip: Think of it this way - a server serves time to clients. The ntp master command activates server mode, making your router the "master" time authority. Associate master = server = authoritative to lock this in for the exam.

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