Which NTP time source is the most accurate accessible across a network?
Short answer
B Stratum 1 device
Question
Key Takeaways
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.
Common mistake: 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.
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
These links open the official vendor documentation in a new tab.
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.
Community Votes
100% of anonymous learners picked answer B. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.
Discussion 3 contributions
Compiled from public community threads and reader submissions, lightly edited for clarity. Handles and vote tallies are shown as recorded, and comments reflect the views of individual contributors.
From public community threads 3
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schoha8874 👍 12 Answered Bits stratum 1 , scored a 740 on the exam i picked this
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5e16c9c 👍 6NTP servers on the internet that synchronize with stratum 1 servers (which are directly connected to atomic clocks) or stratum 2 servers (which synchronize with stratum 1 servers). These can provide accurate time for most applications.
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Zach123654 👍 1 Answered Bgpttttt
Reader comments & corrections
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