CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

What does each device require to synchronize its clock using NTP?

1. Dedicated server

2. Individual time settings

3. Network device configuration

4. Internal clock

The correct answer is: Internal clock

To synchronize its clock using Network Time Protocol (NTP), each device requires an internal clock. The internal clock serves as the reference point for the device to adjust its time settings based on the time received from NTP servers. NTP operates by allowing devices to communicate with authoritative time sources, which provide accurate time data. The internal clock is critical because it is what gets updated by the NTP synchronization process; without it, there would be no time to synchronize. While dedicated servers, individual time settings, and network device configurations may influence how NTP functions in general, they are not essential for the basic requirement of clock synchronization. The internal clock is fundamental, as each device needs a timekeeping mechanism to perform updates and ensure accurate time display or operations. This synchronization is vital for various network protocols and applications that depend on precise timing.