If a synchronized computer network clock is used as the standard, daily synchronization must be verified with which clock?

• A. Global Positioning System time
• B. US Naval Observatory time
• C. Coordinated Universal Time
• D. Local time

Answer: (A)

A precise external reference is needed to confirm the network clock is really staying in sync. GPS time serves that role because the GPS system broadcasts a time signal derived from atomic clocks on satellites, giving a globally consistent and highly accurate time scale. Daily comparison of the synchronized network clock to GPS time lets you detect drift or errors right away and keep the system within its required tolerance. Local civil time isn’t universal, and UTC includes leap seconds that can complicate routine verification; GPS time provides a clean, continuous standard that you can later convert to UTC if needed.