Cisco 350-401 Implementing Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies (ENCOR) Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 5 Q81-100

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Question 81:

Which Cisco protocol provides loop-free, multipath Layer 2 connectivity in campus networks?

A) STP
B) RSTP
C) MSTP
D) EtherChannel

Answer:

C) MSTP

Explanation:

Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP) is a Cisco and IEEE-standard protocol that provides loop-free Layer 2 connectivity while allowing multiple spanning tree instances over a single physical network. MSTP builds upon Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and traditional STP, combining fast convergence with support for multiple VLANs and multiple logical topologies.

In a campus network, VLANs are used to segment traffic. Traditional STP creates a single spanning tree instance for all VLANs, which can cause suboptimal traffic distribution because all VLANs follow the same path to the root bridge. RSTP improves convergence times but still operates with a single instance. MSTP introduces the concept of multiple spanning tree instances, where each instance can map a subset of VLANs to a specific topology. This allows traffic for different VLANs to use different paths, balancing load across redundant links while preventing loops.

MSTP also improves scalability. Instead of requiring separate STP instances for each VLAN (as in Per-VLAN Spanning Tree, PVST+), MSTP consolidates VLANs into logical instances, reducing CPU and memory overhead on switches. Each MST region maintains consistent instance-to-VLAN mapping, ensuring predictable behavior. Inter-region communication uses Common Spanning Tree (CST) to maintain loop-free connectivity across regions.

EtherChannel, while providing redundancy and load balancing, does not prevent loops across the entire Layer 2 topology and must be combined with MSTP or RSTP for loop-free operation. MSTP’s use of instance-based topology calculation and root bridge election allows high-density campus networks to scale efficiently with multiple VLANs, redundant links, and optimized path usage.

From a network design perspective, MSTP ensures that Layer 2 loops do not occur, while allowing multiple VLANs to efficiently utilize redundant paths. This reduces bottlenecks, ensures predictable convergence, and minimizes traffic disruption during topology changes. MSTP’s compatibility with PVST+ and RSTP ensures smooth integration in hybrid environments, allowing gradual upgrades without service interruption.

In conclusion, MSTP provides loop-free, multipath Layer 2 connectivity across VLANs in campus networks, making option C correct.

Question 82:

Which technology allows enterprises to extend Layer 2 networks across Layer 3 boundaries while supporting tenant isolation and large-scale overlays?

A) VLAN
B) VXLAN
C) MPLS
D) GRE

Answer:

B) VXLAN

Explanation:

Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN) is a Layer 2 overlay protocol designed to overcome the limitations of VLANs in large-scale enterprise and data center networks. Traditional VLANs are limited to 4,096 IDs, restricting scalability in multi-tenant environments. VXLAN extends Layer 2 networks over a Layer 3 IP infrastructure, enabling logical segmentation for millions of tenants or applications.

VXLAN operates by encapsulating Ethernet frames into UDP packets for transport across IP networks. VXLAN Tunnel Endpoints (VTEPs) handle encapsulation and decapsulation at the edges of the overlay network. This decouples the physical topology from the logical network, allowing flexible placement of workloads, seamless migration, and scalable multi-tenant environments.

Tenant isolation is achieved by assigning unique VXLAN Network Identifiers (VNIs) to each logical network. VNIs ensure that traffic from one tenant does not leak into another, maintaining security and compliance without requiring separate physical infrastructure. In combination with BGP EVPN (Ethernet VPN), VXLAN supports a control plane that advertises MAC addresses and VNI mappings, reducing reliance on flooding for unknown unicast traffic and enhancing scalability.

Other technologies have limitations. VLANs cannot extend beyond Layer 2 boundaries without complex tunneling. MPLS is a Layer 3 technology providing VPN and traffic engineering but does not provide native Layer 2 overlays with multi-tenant support. GRE tunnels encapsulate traffic but lack control-plane intelligence, scalability, and automated MAC distribution, making them less suitable for large-scale multi-tenant overlays.

VXLAN integrates with software-defined networking (SDN) platforms such as Cisco ACI or DNA Center for automated provisioning, policy enforcement, and monitoring. Microsegmentation is supported, enabling granular policies per tenant, application, or device. By leveraging VXLAN overlays, enterprises can design scalable, high-performance, and secure networks that support cloud workloads, data center virtualization, and hybrid environments.

In summary, VXLAN allows enterprises to extend Layer 2 networks across Layer 3 boundaries while supporting tenant isolation and large-scale overlays, making option B correct.

Question 83:

Which protocol provides secure, centralized authentication, authorization, and accounting for wired and wireless enterprise networks?

A) RADIUS
B) TACACS+
C) LDAP
D) SNMP

Answer:

A) RADIUS

Explanation:

RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) is a network protocol used for centralized authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) in enterprise networks. RADIUS is widely deployed in wired, wireless, and VPN environments, providing secure access control and centralized policy enforcement.

Authentication in RADIUS ensures that only authorized users or devices can connect to the network. When a client attempts to connect, the access device (switch or wireless access point) forwards credentials to the RADIUS server. The server verifies the credentials against an internal database or external directory such as Active Directory. This ensures that only compliant devices and authorized users can access network resources.

Authorization determines what resources or services the client is allowed to use. Policies may restrict VLAN assignment, QoS settings, or access to specific applications or subnets. By dynamically assigning permissions, RADIUS enforces security and operational policies consistently across the network.

Accounting provides logging and auditing of network activity, including session start and stop times, data usage, and actions performed. This enables regulatory compliance, network planning, and troubleshooting. Accounting data can be used for billing in service-provider environments or for internal monitoring in enterprise networks.

Other protocols provide partial functionality. TACACS+ is primarily used for device administration, providing AAA for network devices rather than end-user access. LDAP provides directory services but not full AAA functionality for network access. SNMP is used for monitoring and management, not authentication or authorization.

RADIUS is tightly integrated with wireless security standards such as WPA2-Enterprise and 802.1X port-based access control. Integration with Cisco ISE enhances dynamic policy enforcement, device profiling, and posture assessment, ensuring that network access is both secure and compliant.

By centralizing AAA functions, RADIUS reduces administrative overhead, ensures consistent policy enforcement, and improves security visibility across enterprise networks. It supports scalable deployments with multiple authentication servers, redundancy, and failover capabilities.

In conclusion, RADIUS provides secure, centralized authentication, authorization, and accounting for enterprise wired and wireless networks, making option A correct.

Question 84:

Which routing protocol is best suited for large-scale enterprise networks with hierarchical design and fast convergence?

A) OSPF
B) RIP
C) EIGRP
D) BGP

Answer:

A) OSPF

Explanation:

Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) is a link-state routing protocol widely deployed in large-scale enterprise networks due to its scalability, hierarchical design support, and fast convergence. OSPF uses the Shortest Path First (SPF) algorithm (Dijkstra) to calculate loop-free routes and maintains a complete topology map of the network, ensuring accurate and efficient routing decisions.

OSPF is designed for hierarchical networks using areas. The backbone area (Area 0) interconnects all other areas, which allows traffic summarization, reduces routing table size, and limits LSA flooding to within areas. This hierarchy improves scalability, reduces CPU and memory usage on routers, and ensures predictable convergence behavior.

OSPF supports multiple network types (broadcast, non-broadcast, point-to-point, and point-to-multipoint) and can operate over IPv4 and IPv6 (OSPFv2 and OSPFv3). Its fast convergence is achieved through the link-state database and SPF recalculation when network changes occur. Backup paths are maintained to ensure rapid failover in case of link or node failures.

Other protocols have limitations. RIP is a distance-vector protocol with slow convergence, limited scalability, and a maximum hop count of 15. EIGRP, while fast and efficient, is Cisco-proprietary, which may limit interoperability in multi-vendor networks. BGP is primarily used for inter-domain routing and is not optimized for fast convergence in internal enterprise networks.

OSPF also supports route summarization at area borders, reducing the size of routing tables and limiting unnecessary updates. It provides authentication, stub area configuration, and support for external route redistribution, making it suitable for enterprises with multiple branches or data centers.

From a network design perspective, OSPF enables predictable, loop-free routing in large enterprise networks, supports fast failover, and allows efficient bandwidth utilization. Its hierarchical approach ensures scalability and maintains control over routing overhead, making it ideal for core, distribution, and access layers in campus or enterprise WAN networks.

In conclusion, OSPF is the best-suited protocol for large-scale enterprise networks with hierarchical design and fast convergence, making option A correct.

Question 85:

Which WAN technology provides secure, multi-tenant connectivity, traffic engineering, and QoS guarantees for enterprise sites?

A) MPLS VPN
B) DSL
C) Frame Relay
D) Metro Ethernet

Answer:

A) MPLS VPN

Explanation:

Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are widely used in enterprise WAN environments to provide secure, scalable, and predictable connectivity between multiple sites. MPLS VPNs leverage labels instead of traditional IP routing to forward packets along predetermined Label-Switched Paths (LSPs). This provides deterministic traffic paths, enabling traffic engineering, bandwidth optimization, and Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees.

MPLS VPNs support multi-tenant connectivity through the use of Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF) instances. Each VRF maintains an independent routing table, allowing overlapping IP addresses and full segregation of traffic between tenants or business units. This ensures privacy, security, and policy enforcement in shared network infrastructures. Layer 3 MPLS VPNs provide IP-based segmentation, while Layer 2 VPNs (VPLS) extend Ethernet connectivity, enabling legacy or non-IP workloads to connect seamlessly.

Traffic engineering in MPLS allows administrators to define explicit paths for high-priority applications such as voice, video, or cloud services. QoS policies prioritize latency-sensitive traffic, ensuring consistent performance even during periods of network congestion. MPLS also supports redundancy and failover mechanisms to maintain high availability and business continuity.

Other WAN technologies have limitations. DSL offers low bandwidth, limited scalability, and no native QoS or multi-tenant capabilities. Frame Relay is a legacy WAN solution with minimal performance guarantees and limited support for modern enterprise applications. Metro Ethernet provides high-speed connectivity but lacks inherent multi-tenant isolation, traffic engineering, and end-to-end QoS enforcement.

MPLS VPNs integrate with SD-WAN solutions, hybrid cloud environments, and centralized management platforms to provide a unified, secure, and high-performance WAN. Enterprises can centrally monitor and manage VRFs, automate provisioning, and dynamically adjust paths or policies to respond to changing business requirements.

In summary, MPLS VPN provides secure, multi-tenant WAN connectivity with traffic engineering and QoS guarantees, making it the preferred technology for enterprise sites, making option A correct.

Question 86:

Which routing protocol is best suited for enterprise networks requiring fast convergence, unequal-cost load balancing, and support for large topologies?

A) OSPF
B) RIP
C) EIGRP
D) BGP

Answer:

C) EIGRP

Explanation:

Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP) is a hybrid routing protocol developed by Cisco that combines features of both distance-vector and link-state protocols. It is widely deployed in enterprise networks because it offers fast convergence, support for large-scale topologies, and the ability to perform unequal-cost load balancing. These features make EIGRP an efficient and resilient protocol for complex campus, branch, and data center networks.

At the heart of EIGRP is the Diffusing Update Algorithm (DUAL), which calculates loop-free paths and maintains feasible successors as backup routes. The feasibility condition ensures that backup paths are guaranteed loop-free. When a primary route fails, DUAL allows immediate switchover to the feasible successor, ensuring minimal downtime. This fast convergence is critical in enterprise environments where even brief outages can disrupt business-critical applications such as VoIP, video conferencing, and cloud services.

EIGRP supports unequal-cost load balancing through the variance command. Unlike OSPF, which only balances traffic across equal-cost paths, EIGRP can utilize multiple paths with different metrics, as long as they satisfy the feasibility condition. This improves bandwidth utilization and reduces congestion, especially in redundant network topologies with multiple links of varying capacities.

EIGRP maintains three tables for efficient operation:

Neighbor table: Keeps track of directly connected routers.

Topology table: Stores all learned routes, including feasible successors.

Routing table: Contains the best routes chosen by DUAL for forwarding traffic.

The combination of DUAL, multiple tables, and support for unequal-cost load balancing allows EIGRP to scale efficiently in large enterprise networks. Unlike RIP, which is limited by hop count and slow convergence, EIGRP can handle complex topologies with hundreds of routers.

OSPF, while scalable and widely used, does not support unequal-cost load balancing without additional configuration. BGP is primarily an inter-domain protocol used for connecting autonomous systems and is not optimized for internal enterprise network convergence.

EIGRP also supports advanced features such as route summarization, authentication, and IPv6 routing. Summarization reduces routing table size and LSA flooding in large networks. Authentication ensures secure routing updates, preventing malicious or accidental route injection. These capabilities make EIGRP a reliable and secure routing protocol for enterprise WAN and campus networks.

From a design perspective, EIGRP allows network engineers to leverage redundant links efficiently, providing both load balancing and fault tolerance. It reduces CPU and memory overhead compared to protocols that require extensive flooding or recalculation, which is essential in large-scale enterprise deployments.

In conclusion, EIGRP is the best-suited routing protocol for enterprise networks requiring fast convergence, unequal-cost load balancing, and support for large topologies, making option C correct.

Question 87:

Which Cisco technology allows centralized policy enforcement and secure access control for wired, wireless, and VPN networks?

A) Cisco ISE
B) Cisco DNA Center
C) ACLs
D) NetFlow

Answer:

A) Cisco ISE

Explanation:

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) is a centralized security policy management and access control platform that enforces authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) for wired, wireless, and VPN networks. It provides granular, role-based access policies based on user identity, device type, and compliance posture, making it essential for enterprise networks where security, compliance, and segmentation are priorities.

ISE integrates with IEEE 802.1X for port-based network access control. When a user or device connects, ISE authenticates the endpoint using credentials or certificates, determining whether it meets predefined policies. Posture assessment evaluates device compliance with security standards such as antivirus updates, OS patches, and configurations. Non-compliant devices can be quarantined or redirected for remediation, ensuring enterprise security without disrupting authorized users.

Policy enforcement in ISE is dynamic and context-aware. It can assign users and devices to specific VLANs, security groups, or access control policies based on identity and location. Security Group Tags (SGTs) allow segmentation to follow users and devices across the network, ensuring consistent policy enforcement regardless of physical connectivity.

ISE also provides centralized reporting and monitoring capabilities. Administrators can track user activity, detect unauthorized access attempts, and audit compliance with regulatory requirements. Integration with SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) systems enables automated threat detection and response.

Other technologies provide partial functionality. ACLs enforce access policies at a device level but lack centralized management and identity awareness. NetFlow collects traffic data for analysis but cannot enforce security policies. Cisco DNA Center offers automation and assurance but relies on ISE for identity-based security enforcement.

In large enterprise networks, ISE enhances security by providing end-to-end visibility, dynamic policy enforcement, and scalable access control. It supports multi-factor authentication, guest access management, and integration with cloud services. Its ability to adapt policies in real-time based on device compliance and user behavior makes ISE an indispensable tool for secure network operations.

In summary, Cisco ISE provides centralized policy enforcement and secure access control for wired, wireless, and VPN networks, making option A correct.

Question 88:

Which data center technology allows scalable Layer 2 overlays and multi-tenant segmentation while reducing broadcast traffic?

A) VLAN
B) VXLAN with BGP EVPN
C) GRE Tunnel
D) MPLS

Answer:

B) VXLAN with BGP EVPN

Explanation:

Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN) with BGP EVPN control plane is a modern data center technology that enables scalable Layer 2 overlays over a Layer 3 network. It is designed for multi-tenant environments where traditional VLANs are insufficient due to the 4,096 VLAN ID limitation. VXLAN uses a 24-bit VXLAN Network Identifier (VNI), allowing up to 16 million logical networks, making it ideal for cloud-scale and enterprise data centers.

VXLAN encapsulates Ethernet frames into UDP packets for transport over an IP network. VXLAN Tunnel Endpoints (VTEPs) perform encapsulation and decapsulation at the edges of the overlay, decoupling the logical topology from the physical infrastructure. This allows virtual machines, containers, or applications to move across the network without reconfiguring underlying physical devices.

BGP EVPN provides a control plane for VXLAN overlays. It advertises MAC address and VNI mappings, reducing reliance on flooding for unknown unicast, multicast, and broadcast traffic (BUM). By eliminating unnecessary flooding, VXLAN with EVPN improves efficiency, reduces CPU and memory usage on VTEPs, and supports large-scale deployments.

Multi-tenant segmentation is achieved by assigning unique VNIs per tenant. Policies can be enforced per tenant or application, ensuring isolation and security. Integration with SDN platforms like Cisco ACI or DNA Center enables automated provisioning, policy enforcement, and assurance. Microsegmentation allows policies to follow workloads, providing security at a granular level without requiring VLAN reconfiguration.

Other technologies have limitations. VLANs are restricted in scale and require flooding across Layer 2 domains. GRE tunnels encapsulate traffic but lack control-plane intelligence and do not support multi-tenant isolation. MPLS provides Layer 3 connectivity and traffic engineering but does not natively extend Layer 2 segments or provide tenant-specific overlays.

VXLAN with BGP EVPN is particularly valuable in enterprise data centers supporting virtualization, multi-tenancy, and cloud applications. It ensures high performance, scalable Layer 2 connectivity, and efficient resource utilization, while maintaining security and operational simplicity.

In conclusion, VXLAN with BGP EVPN provides scalable Layer 2 overlays, multi-tenant segmentation, and reduced broadcast traffic in data centers, making option B correct.

Question 89:

Which wireless security standard provides strong encryption, centralized authentication, and is suitable for enterprise environments?

A) WEP
B) WPA2-Enterprise
C) WPA-PSK
D) TKIP

Answer:

B) WPA2-Enterprise

Explanation:

WPA2-Enterprise is a robust wireless security standard designed for enterprise networks. Unlike WPA-PSK or WEP, which use shared keys, WPA2-Enterprise leverages IEEE 802.1X authentication with a RADIUS server to provide per-user credentials, centralized authentication, and dynamic encryption keys. This ensures secure and individualized access to the network.

Encryption in WPA2-Enterprise uses AES with Counter Mode with Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code Protocol (CCMP), providing confidentiality, integrity, and authentication for wireless traffic. This protects sensitive enterprise data, including intellectual property, personal information, and communications.

Centralized authentication allows administrators to enforce role-based access policies. Users or devices can be assigned to specific VLANs, security groups, or access policies based on credentials, compliance posture, or device type. Integration with Cisco ISE allows posture assessment, dynamic VLAN assignment, and device profiling. Non-compliant devices can be redirected to remediation networks, maintaining security without disrupting authorized users.

Other standards are insufficient. WEP uses weak RC4 encryption and is vulnerable to attacks. WPA-PSK is suitable for small networks but lacks centralized authentication and per-user key management. TKIP, used with legacy WPA, has known vulnerabilities and does not meet modern enterprise security requirements.

WPA2-Enterprise also supports seamless roaming between access points, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for mobile users in high-density enterprise environments. It integrates with network management and security platforms, allowing monitoring, logging, and auditing to maintain compliance and enforce policies consistently.

In summary, WPA2-Enterprise provides strong encryption, centralized authentication, and enterprise-grade security for Wi-Fi networks, making option B correct.

Question 90:

Which WAN technology provides secure, multi-tenant connectivity, traffic engineering, and QoS guarantees across enterprise sites?

A) MPLS VPN
B) DSL
C) Frame Relay
D) Metro Ethernet

Answer:

A) MPLS VPN

Explanation:

Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are widely used in enterprise WAN architectures to deliver secure, high-performance, and scalable connectivity between multiple sites. MPLS VPNs utilize label-based forwarding, allowing traffic to follow predetermined Label-Switched Paths (LSPs), which enables traffic engineering, bandwidth optimization, and Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees for critical applications such as voice, video, and cloud services.

MPLS VPNs support multi-tenant connectivity through Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF) instances. Each VRF maintains an independent routing table, enabling overlapping IP addresses and complete segregation of traffic between tenants or business units. Layer 3 MPLS VPNs provide IP-based segmentation, while Layer 2 VPNs (VPLS) extend Ethernet segments across the MPLS backbone, supporting legacy or non-IP workloads.

Traffic engineering in MPLS allows explicit routing of high-priority traffic, avoiding congested links and ensuring predictable performance. QoS policies prioritize latency-sensitive traffic, providing performance guarantees even during periods of heavy load. MPLS VPN also supports redundancy and rapid failover to maintain high availability and business continuity.

Other WAN technologies have limitations. DSL offers low bandwidth, limited scalability, and no inherent QoS or multi-tenant capabilities. Frame Relay is legacy, with minimal performance guarantees. Metro Ethernet provides high-speed connectivity but lacks native multi-tenant isolation, traffic engineering, and end-to-end QoS enforcement.

MPLS VPNs integrate seamlessly with SD-WAN and hybrid cloud environments, enabling enterprises to centrally manage VRFs, provision new connections dynamically, and enforce consistent policies across all sites. This combination of security, scalability, and performance makes MPLS VPN the preferred solution for enterprise WAN connectivity.

In conclusion, MPLS VPN provides secure, multi-tenant WAN connectivity with traffic engineering and QoS guarantees, making option A correct.

Question 91:

Which technology provides network administrators with detailed visibility into traffic flows, including source and destination IPs, ports, and protocols?

A) NetFlow
B) SNMP
C) Syslog
D) SPAN

Answer:

A) NetFlow

Explanation:

NetFlow is a Cisco-developed network protocol that provides detailed visibility into traffic flows within a network. It allows administrators to collect, monitor, and analyze metadata about network traffic without capturing the entire packet payload. NetFlow captures information such as source and destination IP addresses, transport-layer ports, protocol types, interface identifiers, and timestamps. This granular data is essential for traffic analysis, capacity planning, security monitoring, and troubleshooting in enterprise networks.

NetFlow’s primary benefit is traffic visibility. By understanding which hosts, applications, or services are consuming bandwidth, administrators can optimize network performance, prioritize critical applications using QoS policies, and plan for future capacity needs. For example, excessive traffic from cloud backup services or video conferencing applications can be identified, and appropriate bandwidth allocation can be applied to maintain service quality.

NetFlow also plays a crucial role in security monitoring. By analyzing traffic patterns, abnormal behaviors such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, scanning activity, or malware propagation can be detected early. NetFlow data can be exported to a collector or integrated with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems to enable automated alerts, correlation, and threat response.

Troubleshooting is another important use case for NetFlow. When network issues arise, flow data provides detailed insights into traffic paths, congestion points, or misconfigured devices. Unlike interface counters, which provide only aggregate statistics, NetFlow allows administrators to drill down to specific conversations between endpoints, helping to isolate problems quickly and efficiently.

NetFlow supports multiple versions, including traditional NetFlow (v5, v9) and IP Flow Information Export (IPFIX). These versions provide compatibility with IPv4, IPv6, and MPLS networks, enabling modern enterprise deployments to scale effectively. NetFlow also works across both wired and wireless networks, providing a unified view of traffic flows throughout the enterprise.

Other options provide partial visibility but do not provide the same level of granular flow analysis. SNMP monitors device health, CPU, memory, and interface statistics but does not provide flow-level traffic visibility. Syslog captures event messages for auditing and troubleshooting but lacks traffic pattern analysis. SPAN (Switched Port Analyzer) mirrors traffic for packet capture but is resource-intensive and not scalable for long-term monitoring or network-wide analysis.

In enterprise networks, NetFlow is essential for ensuring network performance, security, and operational efficiency. By providing flow-level visibility, administrators can proactively manage traffic, detect anomalies, and optimize resource utilization. NetFlow enables detailed reporting, trend analysis, and capacity planning, making it indispensable for both day-to-day operations and strategic network design.

In conclusion, NetFlow provides detailed visibility into traffic flows, including source and destination IPs, ports, and protocols, making option A correct.

Question 92:

Which Cisco technology enables centralized provisioning, automation, and policy-based management across wired and wireless networks?

A) Cisco ISE
B) Cisco DNA Center
C) Prime Infrastructure
D) NetFlow

Answer:

B) Cisco DNA Center

Explanation:

Cisco Digital Network Architecture (DNA) Center is a comprehensive platform that enables centralized network provisioning, automation, and policy-based management for enterprise wired and wireless networks. DNA Center is designed for intent-based networking, where business policies and objectives are translated into network configurations automatically, reducing manual intervention, minimizing errors, and ensuring consistent policy enforcement across all devices.

Automation is one of DNA Center’s core features. Network administrators can discover devices, provision configurations, deploy software updates, and create network policies centrally. For example, VLANs, SSIDs, QoS policies, and security configurations can be automatically applied across multiple access points and switches. This streamlines operations, reduces configuration errors, and accelerates deployment of new services.

DNA Center also provides network assurance through real-time monitoring, telemetry, and analytics. By continuously collecting data from network devices, DNA Center can identify performance issues, predict potential failures, and recommend corrective actions. AI and machine learning capabilities enhance root-cause analysis, allowing administrators to resolve problems proactively before they impact users.

Policy-based management is another key benefit. DNA Center integrates with Cisco ISE to enforce identity-based policies, role-based access controls, and segmentation across wired and wireless networks. Policies can be applied based on user, device, location, and application type, ensuring security and compliance while improving operational efficiency.

Other technologies offer partial functionality. Cisco ISE enforces access control and identity-based policies but does not provide full network automation or assurance capabilities. Prime Infrastructure offers management and monitoring, but lacks modern intent-based automation and AI-driven assurance features. NetFlow provides traffic visibility but cannot enforce policies or automate provisioning.

DNA Center also supports Software-Defined Access (SD-Access), which uses network overlays and segmentation to enforce policies consistently across the network. Segmentation can be dynamic, following devices and users as they move throughout the enterprise, simplifying security and reducing operational overhead. Integration with analytics dashboards allows administrators to visualize network health, application performance, and client experience in real time.

From an enterprise perspective, DNA Center enhances operational efficiency, security, and reliability. Automated provisioning ensures that new devices and configurations adhere to organizational policies. Real-time assurance allows administrators to proactively manage network performance, predict potential issues, and minimize downtime. Policy enforcement ensures that security, QoS, and segmentation are consistently applied across the network.

In summary, Cisco DNA Center enables centralized provisioning, automation, and policy-based management across wired and wireless networks, making option B correct.

Question 93:

Which protocol distributes MAC address reachability information in VXLAN overlays for large-scale data centers?

A) OSPF
B) BGP EVPN
C) STP
D) RSTP

Answer:

B) BGP EVPN

Explanation:

In modern data center networks, VXLAN overlays are used to extend Layer 2 segments across a Layer 3 infrastructure, enabling scalable multi-tenant environments. While VXLAN initially relied on flooding and learning for unknown unicast traffic, this approach does not scale well in large environments. BGP EVPN (Ethernet VPN) provides a control-plane protocol to distribute MAC address reachability information among VXLAN Tunnel Endpoints (VTEPs), significantly improving scalability, efficiency, and resiliency.

BGP EVPN advertises MAC addresses, VXLAN Network Identifiers (VNIs), and associated IP addresses to all participating VTEPs. This allows each VTEP to build a forwarding table without flooding unknown unicast traffic across the network. By eliminating excessive broadcast, unknown unicast, and multicast (BUM) traffic, BGP EVPN enhances network efficiency and reduces unnecessary CPU and memory consumption on VTEPs.

Multi-tenant isolation is achieved through unique VNIs assigned per tenant. BGP EVPN ensures that MAC addresses are distributed only among the relevant VNIs, preventing cross-tenant traffic leakage and maintaining security in multi-tenant environments. This is particularly important in cloud data centers, multi-tenant enterprise networks, or service-provider environments where isolation, scalability, and security are critical.

Other protocols listed do not fulfill this role. OSPF is a Layer 3 link-state routing protocol and cannot distribute MAC address information. STP and RSTP prevent loops in Layer 2 networks but do not provide control-plane learning for VXLAN overlays. Without BGP EVPN, VXLAN would rely on flooding, which is inefficient and unscalable for large deployments.

BGP EVPN also supports advanced features such as active-active multi-homing, optimal path selection, and redundancy. In active-active multi-homed deployments, traffic can be load-balanced across multiple links while maintaining loop-free connectivity. This improves resiliency and utilization of available bandwidth. Integration with SDN platforms and orchestration tools allows dynamic provisioning, automated policy enforcement, and end-to-end monitoring.

From an operational perspective, BGP EVPN simplifies network design, reduces unnecessary traffic, and provides deterministic MAC learning. Administrators can deploy scalable overlays without relying on flooding-based learning, reducing network congestion and improving performance. It also supports seamless migration of virtual machines or workloads across data centers without changing the underlying physical topology.

In summary, BGP EVPN distributes MAC address reachability information in VXLAN overlays, enabling scalable, efficient, and secure Layer 2 connectivity in large-scale data centers, making option B correct.

Question 94:

Which wireless standard operates primarily in the 5 GHz band, supports MU-MIMO, and is suitable for high-density enterprise deployments?

A) 802.11n
B) 802.11ac
C) 802.11a
D) 802.11b

Answer:

B) 802.11ac

Explanation:

802.11ac, also known as Wi-Fi 5, is a wireless standard optimized for high-throughput and high-density enterprise environments, primarily operating in the 5 GHz spectrum. It introduces several advanced features such as Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO), beamforming, higher-order modulation (256-QAM), and wider channel bandwidths (up to 160 MHz), all of which improve throughput, efficiency, and performance in environments with many connected devices.

MU-MIMO allows simultaneous communication with multiple clients, reducing contention and improving network efficiency. Beamforming focuses RF energy toward specific clients, enhancing signal strength, reliability, and coverage in high-density deployments such as office campuses, auditoriums, or conference halls. The 5 GHz band provides more non-overlapping channels than 2.4 GHz, minimizing interference and improving network performance in crowded environments.

Other standards have limitations. 802.11n operates in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz but does not support MU-MIMO and offers lower maximum throughput. 802.11a operates in the 5 GHz band but lacks the enhanced modulation, channel width, and advanced features of 802.11ac. 802.11b operates in 2.4 GHz and offers low throughput unsuitable for modern enterprise applications.

In enterprise networks, 802.11ac supports bandwidth-intensive applications such as video conferencing, cloud collaboration, VoIP, and large file transfers. Centralized wireless controllers allow seamless roaming, policy enforcement, and monitoring to ensure consistent performance and security. High-density deployments benefit from MU-MIMO, beamforming, and wider channels, making 802.11ac the preferred standard for enterprise Wi-Fi networks.

In conclusion, 802.11ac operates in the 5 GHz band, supports MU-MIMO, and is optimized for high-density enterprise deployments, making option B correct.

Question 95:

Which WAN technology provides secure, multi-tenant connectivity, traffic engineering, and QoS guarantees for enterprise sites?

A) MPLS VPN
B) Frame Relay
C) DSL
D) Metro Ethernet

Answer:

A) MPLS VPN

Explanation:

Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are widely used in enterprise WAN architectures to provide secure, high-performance, and scalable connectivity between multiple sites. MPLS VPNs use label-based forwarding instead of traditional IP routing, which allows traffic to follow predefined Label-Switched Paths (LSPs). This enables traffic engineering, bandwidth optimization, and Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees for critical applications such as voice, video, and cloud-based services.

MPLS VPNs support multi-tenant environments through Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF) instances. Each VRF maintains an independent routing table, allowing overlapping IP addresses and complete traffic segregation between tenants or business units. Layer 3 MPLS VPNs provide IP-based segmentation, while Layer 2 VPNs (VPLS) can extend Ethernet connectivity across the WAN for legacy or non-IP workloads.

Traffic engineering in MPLS allows administrators to define explicit paths for specific types of traffic, avoiding congestion and ensuring predictable performance. QoS policies prioritize latency-sensitive applications, ensuring consistent performance even during peak network usage. MPLS VPNs also support redundancy and rapid failover to maintain high availability and business continuity.

Other WAN technologies have limitations. DSL is low-bandwidth, with no inherent QoS or multi-tenant isolation. Frame Relay is largely legacy, with minimal performance guarantees and limited scalability. Metro Ethernet provides high-speed connectivity but lacks built-in multi-tenant segmentation and traffic engineering capabilities.

MPLS VPNs integrate with SD-WAN and hybrid cloud solutions, allowing enterprises to centrally manage VRFs, dynamically provision connections, and enforce consistent security and QoS policies across all sites. This combination of performance, security, and operational efficiency makes MPLS VPN the preferred WAN solution for enterprise networks.

In conclusion, MPLS VPN provides secure, multi-tenant connectivity with traffic engineering and QoS guarantees for enterprise sites, making option A correct.

Question 96:

Which routing protocol supports fast convergence, loop-free paths, and unequal-cost load balancing in enterprise networks?

A) OSPF
B) EIGRP
C) RIP
D) BGP

Answer:

B) EIGRP

Explanation:

Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP) is a hybrid routing protocol that combines distance-vector and link-state characteristics, making it highly suitable for enterprise networks requiring fast convergence, loop-free paths, and unequal-cost load balancing. Developed by Cisco, EIGRP addresses limitations of traditional routing protocols such as RIP, which has slow convergence and limited scalability, and OSPF, which supports only equal-cost load balancing without additional configuration.

At the core of EIGRP’s functionality is the Diffusing Update Algorithm (DUAL). DUAL ensures that the network converges quickly and maintains loop-free paths. It calculates the shortest path to each destination using composite metrics that consider bandwidth, delay, reliability, load, and Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU). This calculation is dynamic, allowing EIGRP to react to network topology changes within milliseconds, minimizing downtime in enterprise environments.

EIGRP also supports unequal-cost load balancing through the variance command. This capability allows multiple paths with different metrics to carry traffic, provided they meet the feasibility condition, which ensures loop-free operation. This improves bandwidth utilization, reduces congestion, and optimizes the performance of redundant links in enterprise campus and WAN networks.

The protocol maintains three primary tables for efficient operation:

Neighbor Table: Tracks adjacent routers to ensure connectivity.

Topology Table: Contains all learned routes, including primary and feasible successors.

Routing Table: Stores the best routes selected by DUAL for traffic forwarding.

Compared to OSPF, which uses link-state advertisements and calculates SPF trees, EIGRP’s DUAL algorithm enables faster convergence because it maintains backup paths and selectively updates only affected routes, rather than recalculating the entire network topology. BGP, while capable of handling large-scale routing in inter-domain environments, is not optimized for internal enterprise networks and lacks inherent fast convergence for small to medium topologies.

From a design perspective, EIGRP allows network engineers to leverage redundant links efficiently while maintaining stable, predictable network performance. In environments where multiple paths exist between branch offices, data centers, or distribution layers, EIGRP ensures traffic is load-balanced according to link capacities without creating loops, maintaining high availability for mission-critical applications.

Security and scalability are also supported. EIGRP can be configured with authentication to prevent unauthorized route injection. It supports both IPv4 and IPv6, and route summarization reduces unnecessary routing table size and update propagation, ensuring efficiency in large enterprise networks.

In conclusion, EIGRP provides fast convergence, loop-free paths, and unequal-cost load balancing, making it the most appropriate choice for enterprise networks, making option B correct.

Question 97:

Which Cisco solution provides centralized identity management, dynamic policy enforcement, and secure access control for enterprise networks?

A) Cisco DNA Center
B) Cisco ISE
C) NetFlow
D) ACL

Answer:

B) Cisco ISE

Explanation:

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) is a centralized policy management platform that provides authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) services across enterprise networks. ISE is a key component of network security, enabling secure access for wired, wireless, and VPN users and devices while enforcing organizational policies consistently.

ISE integrates with IEEE 802.1X for port-based access control, ensuring that each user or device is authenticated before gaining network access. Authentication can be performed using credentials, digital certificates, or multifactor authentication methods, providing robust security suitable for enterprise environments.

Dynamic policy enforcement is a core feature of ISE. It can assign users and devices to specific VLANs, Security Group Tags (SGTs), or access policies based on identity, device type, location, or compliance posture. For example, corporate laptops might be granted full access, while guest devices or IoT endpoints are placed in restricted segments to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive resources.

ISE also supports posture assessment, which evaluates device compliance with security standards such as antivirus status, OS patch levels, and firewall configurations. Non-compliant devices can be automatically quarantined or redirected to remediation networks. This ensures that only secure devices are allowed to access the network, reducing potential attack surfaces.

Centralized management and monitoring are additional benefits of ISE. Administrators can track user sessions, generate reports for regulatory compliance, and integrate with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems to enable automated incident response. This holistic view of network access activity improves security visibility and operational efficiency.

Other solutions provide partial functionality. Cisco DNA Center provides automation, assurance, and policy-based management but relies on ISE for identity-based security enforcement. NetFlow provides network traffic visibility but does not enforce policies or authenticate users. ACLs provide device-level access control but lack centralized management, dynamic enforcement, or visibility across the enterprise.

ISE also integrates seamlessly with modern network architectures, including SD-Access, enabling dynamic policy enforcement across virtualized, cloud, and multi-site environments. Role-based access, guest management, and endpoint profiling are simplified, enhancing operational efficiency and security compliance.

In conclusion, Cisco ISE provides centralized identity management, dynamic policy enforcement, and secure access control across enterprise networks, making option B correct.

Question 98:

Which data center technology enables scalable Layer 2 overlays, tenant isolation, and efficient traffic forwarding in multi-tenant environments?

A) VLAN
B) VXLAN with BGP EVPN
C) GRE Tunnel
D) STP

Answer:

B) VXLAN with BGP EVPN

Explanation:

VXLAN with BGP EVPN is a modern data center technology that allows Layer 2 networks to be extended over Layer 3 infrastructure, providing scalability, tenant isolation, and efficient traffic forwarding for large multi-tenant environments. Traditional VLANs are limited to 4,096 identifiers, which is insufficient for cloud-scale or multi-tenant enterprise deployments. VXLAN uses a 24-bit VXLAN Network Identifier (VNI), enabling up to 16 million unique logical networks.

VXLAN encapsulates Ethernet frames into UDP packets for transport across an IP network. VXLAN Tunnel Endpoints (VTEPs) handle encapsulation and decapsulation at the edges, allowing logical Layer 2 connectivity over a Layer 3 network. This separation between logical and physical topology facilitates flexible workload placement, VM mobility, and seamless scaling.

BGP EVPN acts as a control plane for VXLAN overlays. It advertises MAC addresses, VNIs, and IP mappings to all VTEPs, eliminating the need for flooding unknown unicast, broadcast, or multicast traffic (BUM). This reduces network overhead, improves convergence, and allows the network to scale efficiently.

Tenant isolation is a critical feature in multi-tenant environments. Each tenant is assigned a unique VNI, ensuring traffic segregation. Policies can be applied per tenant or per application, providing security and operational efficiency. Microsegmentation allows dynamic security policies that follow workloads as they move across the network, enhancing security without requiring manual reconfiguration of VLANs.

Other technologies are insufficient. VLANs are limited in scale and rely on flooding across Layer 2 domains. GRE tunnels encapsulate traffic but lack control-plane intelligence and multi-tenant awareness. STP prevents loops in Layer 2 but does not provide overlay networking, tenant isolation, or efficient traffic distribution.

VXLAN with BGP EVPN is ideal for modern enterprise and cloud data centers. It integrates with SDN controllers such as Cisco ACI and DNA Center, enabling automated provisioning, centralized policy enforcement, and real-time monitoring. Advanced features such as active-active multi-homing, traffic engineering, and redundancy ensure high availability and optimized resource utilization.

From a design perspective, VXLAN with BGP EVPN improves network scalability, operational efficiency, and security. It allows seamless workload mobility, deterministic traffic forwarding, and simplified management in multi-tenant environments. By reducing broadcast traffic and leveraging a control-plane protocol for MAC learning, VXLAN with EVPN ensures high performance and predictable network behavior.

In conclusion, VXLAN with BGP EVPN enables scalable Layer 2 overlays, tenant isolation, and efficient traffic forwarding, making option B correct.

Question 99:

Which wireless standard operates primarily in the 5 GHz band, supports MU-MIMO, and is optimized for high-density enterprise environments?

A) 802.11n
B) 802.11ac
C) 802.11b
D) 802.11g

Answer:

B) 802.11ac

Explanation:

802.11ac, commonly referred to as Wi-Fi 5, is a wireless standard optimized for high-density enterprise environments. It primarily operates in the 5 GHz spectrum, providing more non-overlapping channels than 2.4 GHz, which reduces interference and improves performance in environments with numerous access points and clients.

One of the key innovations in 802.11ac is Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO), which allows simultaneous communication with multiple devices. This reduces contention, improves network efficiency, and increases overall throughput. Additionally, 802.11ac supports beamforming, which directs RF signals toward clients to enhance coverage, reliability, and signal strength. Higher-order modulation, such as 256-QAM, and wider channel bandwidths (up to 160 MHz) contribute to higher data rates and improved spectral efficiency.

Other standards are less suitable for enterprise deployments. 802.11n operates in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz but lacks MU-MIMO and has lower maximum throughput. 802.11b and 802.11g operate in 2.4 GHz, have lower data rates, and are unsuitable for modern high-density enterprise environments with heavy video, VoIP, or cloud-based traffic.

In enterprise networks, 802.11ac enables high-bandwidth applications such as video conferencing, VoIP, and large-scale collaboration tools. Centralized wireless controllers facilitate seamless roaming, policy enforcement, and monitoring, ensuring consistent user experience across high-density deployments. MU-MIMO, beamforming, and wider channels allow better utilization of available spectrum and improve overall network efficiency.

In conclusion, 802.11ac operates in the 5 GHz band, supports MU-MIMO, and is optimized for high-density enterprise deployments, making option B correct.

Question 100:

Which WAN technology provides secure, multi-tenant connectivity, traffic engineering, and QoS guarantees across enterprise sites?

A) MPLS VPN
B) Frame Relay
C) DSL
D) Metro Ethernet

Answer:

A) MPLS VPN

Explanation:

Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are widely deployed in enterprise WANs to provide secure, high-performance, and scalable connectivity between geographically dispersed sites. MPLS uses label-based forwarding, which allows traffic to follow predetermined Label-Switched Paths (LSPs) across the network. This capability enables traffic engineering, bandwidth optimization, and Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees for latency-sensitive applications such as voice, video, and cloud services.

MPLS VPNs support multi-tenant connectivity using Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF) instances. Each VRF maintains an independent routing table, enabling overlapping IP addresses and complete traffic segregation between tenants or business units. Layer 3 MPLS VPNs provide IP-based segmentation, while Layer 2 VPNs (VPLS) extend Ethernet connectivity, supporting legacy or non-IP applications.

Traffic engineering in MPLS ensures predictable performance by allowing administrators to define explicit paths for critical traffic. QoS policies prioritize high-priority applications, ensuring consistent performance even during peak traffic conditions. MPLS VPNs also provide redundancy and rapid failover, enhancing reliability and business continuity.

Other WAN technologies have limitations. DSL offers low bandwidth and lacks inherent QoS or multi-tenant support. Frame Relay is a legacy technology with minimal performance guarantees and scalability limitations. Metro Ethernet provides high-speed connectivity but does not natively support multi-tenant segmentation or traffic engineering.

MPLS VPNs integrate with SD-WAN solutions and hybrid cloud environments, enabling centralized management of VRFs, dynamic provisioning, and consistent policy enforcement across all sites. This combination of security, performance, and operational efficiency makes MPLS VPN the preferred WAN solution for modern enterprise networks.

In conclusion, MPLS VPN provides secure, multi-tenant WAN connectivity with traffic engineering and QoS guarantees, making option A correct.