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CCNA lab 27 of 46

NTP: one source of time for every device

Make a core router the network's NTP server, synchronise two routers and a switch to it with authentication, set the UK time zone and summer time, and timestamp every log message correctly.

Run this lab

It needs Lite: its 4 nodes are set to 4 vCPU and 4,096 MB in total. That fits the free demo too.

In your workspace: Shared, then CCNA 200-301 guided labs, then 27 - NTP - one source of time for every device

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Level
Beginner
Time
About 40 minutes
Nodes need
4 vCPU, 4,096 MB
Smallest plan
Lite

The scenario

Kelso Logistics is investigating a security incident and can't line up the logs: every device has a different idea of the time, and none of them knows about British Summer Time. You'll make CORE the network's NTP server and synchronise R1, R2 and the switch S1 to it, with authentication so nobody can feed them a false time.

DeviceAddressNTP role
CORE10.27.0.1/24server (master, stratum 3)
S110.27.0.2/24 (VLAN 1)client
R110.27.0.11/24client (CORE preferred)
R210.27.0.12/24client

All devices are on one management LAN through S1. Authentication key: number 1, MD5, NtpKey27.

What you’ll practise

  • Explain why accurate, consistent time matters for logs, certificates and AAA
  • Configure an IOS router as an NTP server (master) and set its time zone and summer time
  • Configure NTP clients, including a preferred server
  • Secure NTP with authentication keys
  • Verify synchronisation with show ntp status and show ntp associations

The tasks

  1. See why time matters
  2. Set the time zone and summer time
  3. Watch CORE become the NTP server
  4. Secure NTP with authentication
  5. Point the clients at CORE
  6. Timestamp the logs properly

The Lab Tasks pane has the scenario, these tasks, the checks to run, hints and the full solution.

Topology and devices

The network as it opens in EVE-NG, drawn from the lab’s own canvas, and the image each node runs.

Topology of NTP - one source of time for every device4 nodes, 3 links. Every link is listed as text below the diagram.CORER1R2S1Gi0/0Gi0/0Gi0/0Gi0/1Gi0/0Gi0/2
4 nodes, with the interface names each link uses. On a narrow screen, scroll the diagram sideways.
Every link, as text
  • CORE Gi0/0 to S1 Gi0/0
  • R1 Gi0/0 to S1 Gi0/1
  • R2 Gi0/0 to S1 Gi0/2
Nodes in NTP: one source of time for every device, with the image each runs and the vCPU and RAM it’s set to
NodeDeviceImage in Add NodeSet to
CORECisco IOSvvios-adventerprisek9-m.SPA.159-3.M61 vCPU, 1,024 MB
R1Cisco IOSvvios-adventerprisek9-m.SPA.159-3.M61 vCPU, 1,024 MB
R2Cisco IOSvvios-adventerprisek9-m.SPA.159-3.M61 vCPU, 1,024 MB
S1Cisco IOSvL2viosl2-adventerprisek9-m.ssa.high_iron_202009291 vCPU, 1,024 MB

How to open this lab

  1. Sign in to your workspace at lab.cloudlabbox.com.

  2. In File Manager, open Shared, then the folder CCNA 200-301 guided labs.

  3. Open 27 - NTP - one source of time for every device and start its nodes, then open Lab Tasks for the scenario and the steps.

The lab is read-only. You can start the nodes and configure the devices, but changes to the topology can’t be saved. To change it, rebuild it in your own folder.

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CloudLabBox is independent of Cisco. The lab follows exam topics and isn’t vendor training material; vendor names identify the exams and the images in the workspace.