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

NTP (Network Time Protocol) uses stratum levels to indicate the distance from the reference time source. A lower stratum number means the server is closer to the reference source, with stratum 0 being the reference clock itself and stratum 1 being a server directly connected to the reference clock. As the stratum number increases, it indicates that the server is further away from the reference clock.

SYSLOG is a protocol used for system management and security auditing, not for time synchronization. It does not use stratum numbers but rather severity levels to indicate the importance of log messages.

TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) is a simple, lightweight file transfer protocol with no provisions for security. It is used for transferring files, typically within a local area network, and does not utilize stratum numbers as it is not related to time synchronization.

MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) is a data-carrying technique for high-performance telecommunications networks. MPLS directs data from one network node to the next based on short path labels rather than long network addresses. It does not deal with time synchronization and does not use stratum numbers.