Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Practice Test

Which statement regarding the match certificate command is accurate?

1. It requires the router clock to be set to function

2. It does not consider date validity of certificates

3. It is executed without checking the peer's certificate

4. It is always effective, regardless of router settings

The correct answer is: It requires the router clock to be set to function

The statement that the match certificate command requires the router clock to be set to function is accurate because the command is contingent on the validation processes that depend on the system clock. The functionality of many authentication protocols, including those that employ certificates, often involves time-sensitive aspects to ensure that a certificate is valid during its period of effectiveness. If the router's clock is not correctly set, it can lead to misinterpretations of the validity of the certificates, potentially allowing expired or otherwise invalid certificates to pass validation, or rejecting valid certificates because the system believes they are not within the valid date range. In contrast, options that state the command does not consider date validity of certificates or is executed without checking the peer's certificate miss the mark. The command's primary purpose is to match and validate certificates effectively, which inherently includes verifying date validity and examining peer certificates. Finally, suggesting that the command is always effective regardless of router settings misrepresents the operational dependencies, as various settings or configurations can significantly impact the implementation and effectiveness of certificate-related commands.