Which NTP time source is the most accurate accessible across a network?
Which of the following is the most accurate NTP time source that is capable of being accessed across a network connection?
Community Votes
100% of anonymous learners picked answer B. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.
Community Insight
The exam tests your understanding that Stratum 0 is the most accurate but is not directly network-accessible, making Stratum 1 the most accurate network-capable time source; the common trap is selecting Stratum 0 without reading the phrase accessed across a network connection.
This CompTIA Network+ N10-008 question asks which NTP stratum device is the most accurate time source that can be accessed over a network. Community consensus confirms Stratum 1 is the correct answer because Stratum 1 devices are directly connected to Stratum 0 reference clocks and are network-accessible.
Choosing Stratum 0 is the most common mistake because it is the ultimate reference clock (atomic or GPS). However, Stratum 0 devices are not directly connected to the network; they require a Stratum 1 server to provide time to network clients.
Community Discussion (3 comments)
Comments & Corrections
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Expert Analysis
Why the Answer Is Correct
A Stratum 1 device is directly connected to a Stratum 0 source, such as an atomic clock or GPS receiver, and it is the first server to make that precise time available over the network. NTP clients synchronize to Stratum 1 servers, so among the listed choices, Stratum 1 is the most accurate time source that can be accessed across a network connection. One test-taker commented that they picked Stratum 1 and scored a 740 on the exam, reinforcing this as the expected answer.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Stratum 0 devices are highly accurate atomic clocks or GPS clocks, but they are considered reference clocks and cannot be directly attached to a network; they communicate with Stratum 1 servers over local connections, not over the network. Stratum 7 is a lower accuracy layer that synchronizes from Stratum 6 and other higher-layer servers, and Stratum 16 indicates an unsynchronized or invalid time source. Therefore, only Stratum 1 is both the most accurate and truly network-accessible among the options.
Community Comment Notes
The top community answer, receiving 12 likes, simply states stratum 1 and notes the responder passed with a 740. Another useful comment explains that internet NTP servers synchronize with Stratum 1 servers (which are directly connected to atomic clocks) or Stratum 2 servers, confirming that Stratum 1 is the accurate network time source in the NTP hierarchy.
Official Reference
Exam Strategy
When you see the phrase accessed across a network connection, remember the distinction between a precision clock and a time server. Stratum 0 is physically the most accurate, but Stratum 1 is the best network-accessible source, so draw the NTP hierarchy from 0 to 16 before choosing.