CCNA NTP Client: Sync to an Authoritative Server

Bundle lab · $29.99

Beginner CCNA NTP lab. Two IOS routers share a single /30 link with no routing. Configure R1 as an authoritative NTP master at stratum 3 and point R2 to R1 as its NTP server. Verify using show ntp associations, show ntp status, and show clock. Emphasis: deterministic config — grading checks the presence of ntp master 3 on R1 and ntp server 10.0.0.1 on R2, not live convergence.

Learning objectives

• Explain NTP roles: master (authoritative) vs. client and stratum behavior
• Configure an IOS router as an authoritative NTP master using ntp master <stratum>
• Configure an IOS router as an NTP client using ntp server <ip>
• Verify NTP state with show ntp associations, show ntp status, and show clock
• Recognize that NTP convergence takes minutes and grading is based on deterministic config

Troubleshooting focus

• Interface down or wrong IP/mask prevents reachability to the NTP server
• Missing ntp master on the server — clients have no valid source
• Client points to the wrong IP (typo or different interface)
• Clock appears unsynchronized because insufficient time has elapsed for NTP to settle