What protocol uses smaller stratum numbers to indicate that the server is closer to the authorized time source than larger stratum numbers?

Last Updated: May 9, 2026
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What protocol uses smaller stratum numbers to indicate that the server is closer to the authorized time source than larger stratum numbers?

  • TFTP
  • SYSLOG
  • NTP
  • MPLS

Explanation: The Network Time Protocol (NTP) utilizes a hierarchical system of time sources where each level is known as a stratum. Smaller stratum numbers indicate that a server is closer to the authoritative time source (Stratum 0 high-precision devices) compared to larger stratum numbers. For example, Stratum 1 devices are directly connected to the primary time source, while Stratum 2 devices synchronize their time using packets from Stratum 1 servers.

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