Cisco 350-401 Implementing Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies (ENCOR) Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 8 Q141-160

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Question 141:

Which protocol provides MAC address reachability in VXLAN overlays, reducing flooding and improving scalability in multi-tenant networks?

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

Answer:

C) BGP EVPN

Explanation:

BGP Ethernet VPN (EVPN) is a control-plane protocol designed to provide efficient MAC address reachability distribution in VXLAN overlays. In traditional Layer 2 networks, unknown unicast traffic is flooded to all ports, creating excessive broadcast and inefficient network usage. BGP EVPN addresses this issue by distributing MAC-to-VTEP mappings, allowing VXLAN Tunnel Endpoints (VTEPs) to forward traffic directly to the correct destination without flooding.

In VXLAN overlays, VTEPs encapsulate Layer 2 Ethernet frames into UDP packets to traverse a Layer 3 network. Without a control plane, unknown MAC addresses require flooding, which consumes bandwidth and increases CPU utilization. BGP EVPN replaces flooding with deterministic MAC learning by advertising MAC addresses along with the VXLAN Network Identifier (VNI) to all participating VTEPs. Each VTEP then maintains a MAC-to-VTEP mapping table, enabling efficient and direct forwarding.

BGP EVPN also supports multi-tenant segmentation. By associating each VNI with a tenant or application, it ensures traffic isolation while sharing the same physical infrastructure. This is essential in data centers hosting multiple tenants or large enterprises with segmented business units. The protocol also supports active-active multi-homing, allowing multiple VTEPs to provide redundancy and load balancing while maintaining optimal path selection.

Other protocols do not provide the same functionality. OSPF is a Layer 3 routing protocol and cannot advertise MAC addresses. STP prevents loops in Layer 2 networks but does not reduce flooding or provide multi-tenant segmentation. RIP is a distance-vector routing protocol and is unsuitable for overlay networks and MAC distribution.

BGP EVPN integrates with SDN solutions such as Cisco ACI or DNA Center to enable automated provisioning, policy enforcement, and real-time monitoring. This allows administrators to define policies for tenants, workloads, or applications while ensuring efficient traffic distribution and minimal broadcast overhead. Additionally, EVPN supports VXLAN redundancy mechanisms, improving high availability and resilience for mission-critical applications.

Operationally, BGP EVPN improves scalability by eliminating broadcast traffic, reduces CPU and memory load on devices, and ensures predictable forwarding in multi-tenant overlays. It also supports VM mobility, allowing workloads to move seamlessly across physical servers without reconfiguring the network, which is critical in cloud and hybrid environments.

In conclusion, BGP EVPN provides MAC address reachability in VXLAN overlays, reduces flooding, and improves scalability in multi-tenant networks, making option C correct.

Question 142:

Which Cisco solution provides centralized identity-based access control, policy enforcement, and endpoint compliance verification?

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

Answer:

B) Cisco ISE

Explanation:

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) is a centralized policy management and access control platform that enables enterprises to implement identity-based access control, dynamic policy enforcement, and endpoint compliance verification. It integrates with 802.1X, MAC Authentication Bypass (MAB), and VPN technologies to authenticate, authorize, and monitor users and devices across wired, wireless, and VPN networks.

ISE provides authentication services by verifying user credentials, certificates, or multi-factor authentication tokens. Once a user or device is authenticated, ISE dynamically enforces policies based on roles, device types, location, or security posture. Policies can assign VLANs, Security Group Tags (SGTs), or QoS profiles, ensuring appropriate access for each user or device.

Endpoint compliance is a critical feature of ISE. Devices are evaluated for compliance with corporate security policies, including antivirus updates, OS patch levels, firewall settings, or encryption requirements. Non-compliant devices can be redirected to remediation networks, quarantined, or granted restricted access until they meet policy requirements. This approach mitigates security risks and ensures that only secure endpoints access critical resources.

ISE also provides detailed accounting and logging for all network access activities. Administrators can track sessions, generate audit reports, and integrate logs with SIEM systems for security monitoring and incident response. Multi-tenant segmentation is supported through policy-based controls, allowing secure access for distinct user groups, business units, or guest networks on the same physical infrastructure.

Other solutions provide partial functionality. Cisco DNA Center offers automation and assurance but relies on ISE for identity-based policy enforcement. NetFlow provides visibility into network traffic but cannot enforce access policies. Prime Infrastructure focuses on monitoring and management rather than identity and endpoint compliance.

Operationally, ISE reduces administrative complexity, enhances network security, and ensures consistent access policies across enterprise networks. It scales to thousands of users and devices while maintaining dynamic enforcement of role-based and endpoint-compliant policies. Integration with SD-Access allows for automated segmentation and policy enforcement across entire enterprise networks.

In conclusion, Cisco ISE provides centralized identity-based access control, policy enforcement, and endpoint compliance verification, making option B correct.

Question 143:

Which routing protocol is most suitable for multi-vendor enterprise networks, supports hierarchical design using areas, and provides fast convergence?

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

Answer:

B) OSPF

Explanation:

Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) is a link-state routing protocol widely used in enterprise networks, particularly in multi-vendor environments, due to its open standard nature. OSPF supports hierarchical design using areas, which allows large networks to be divided into smaller, manageable segments, reducing routing table size and limiting the propagation of routing updates.

In OSPF, the backbone area (Area 0) interconnects all other areas, ensuring efficient routing between different parts of the network. Each router maintains a Link-State Database (LSDB) representing the network topology within its area. The Shortest Path First (SPF) algorithm calculates the shortest, loop-free paths to all destinations, ensuring predictable and stable routing.

Fast convergence is a key feature of OSPF. When a topology change occurs, only affected areas perform SPF recalculation, minimizing network disruption. OSPF also supports route summarization, stub areas, totally stubby areas, and Not-So-Stubby Areas (NSSA), which help reduce routing table size and control routing update propagation. Authentication mechanisms are included to protect against unauthorized route injections, enhancing security.

Other protocols have limitations. RIP is a distance-vector protocol with slow convergence and a maximum hop count of 15, making it unsuitable for large enterprise networks. EIGRP, while fast and feature-rich, is Cisco-proprietary, limiting multi-vendor interoperability. BGP is primarily designed for inter-domain routing and is not optimized for intra-enterprise fast convergence.

OSPF’s hierarchical design and area segmentation make it highly scalable for enterprise networks. By isolating routing updates to specific areas, OSPF reduces the computational load on routers and ensures predictable performance. It supports both IPv4 (OSPFv2) and IPv6 (OSPFv3), allowing enterprises to deploy dual-stack networks during migration to modern IPv6 addressing.

Operationally, OSPF provides enterprises with predictable network behavior, rapid failure recovery, and efficient traffic management. Its open-standard implementation ensures interoperability across devices from multiple vendors. Administrators can implement hierarchical routing, policy-based filtering, and summarization to optimize network performance and scalability.

In conclusion, OSPF is most suitable for multi-vendor enterprise networks, supports hierarchical design using areas, and provides fast convergence, making option B correct.

Question 144:

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

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

Answer:

D) 802.11ac

Explanation:

802.11ac, also known as Wi-Fi 5, is a wireless standard specifically designed to support high-density enterprise deployments and high-throughput applications. Operating primarily in the 5 GHz frequency band, it offers more non-overlapping channels compared to the 2.4 GHz band, reducing interference and improving network performance in environments with multiple access points and dense device populations.

A major feature of 802.11ac is Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO), which allows simultaneous communication with multiple clients. This significantly enhances throughput and reduces latency in high-density deployments such as enterprise offices, auditoriums, and conference rooms. Beamforming technology improves signal quality and reliability by focusing RF energy directly toward connected devices, extending coverage and improving client performance.

802.11ac also supports higher-order modulation (256-QAM) and wider channel bandwidths (up to 160 MHz), delivering significantly higher data rates than previous standards. This allows enterprises to support bandwidth-intensive applications such as video conferencing, VoIP, and cloud collaboration. Centralized management through enterprise wireless controllers ensures seamless roaming, policy enforcement, and monitoring for large networks.

Other wireless standards are less suitable. 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 the 2.4 GHz band only, have slower speeds, and are prone to interference, making them unsuitable for high-density environments.

Operationally, 802.11ac ensures reliable, high-performance wireless connectivity, efficient spectrum usage, and predictable performance for multiple simultaneous clients. It meets the requirements of modern enterprise networks by enabling high-throughput applications, supporting mobility, and optimizing overall user experience.

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

Question 145:

Which Cisco solution provides centralized network automation, assurance, and policy-based management across enterprise wired and wireless networks?

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

Answer:

B) Cisco DNA Center

Explanation:

Cisco Digital Network Architecture (DNA) Center is a centralized network management platform that enables enterprises to implement automation, assurance, and policy-based management for both wired and wireless networks. DNA Center is a key component of intent-based networking, allowing network administrators to translate business objectives into automated configurations while providing continuous monitoring and assurance.

Automation features allow administrators to provision devices, configure VLANs, deploy SSIDs, enforce QoS policies, and manage software images centrally. This reduces configuration errors, accelerates network deployments, and ensures consistent policy enforcement across all devices. Policies can be based on roles, device types, and application requirements, ensuring secure and compliant access.

Assurance leverages real-time telemetry, analytics, and AI/ML algorithms to monitor network performance, detect anomalies, and predict potential issues before they affect users. Root-cause analysis capabilities enable IT teams to identify problems quickly, improving operational efficiency and end-user experience.

DNA Center integrates with Cisco ISE to enforce identity-based policies, enabling dynamic segmentation and secure access for users and devices. Policies follow devices and users as they move across wired and wireless networks, maintaining consistent security and connectivity. DNA Center supports dual-stack IPv4/IPv6 environments and integrates with SD-WAN, cloud services, and SD-Access for end-to-end policy enforcement and monitoring.

Other solutions provide partial functionality. Cisco ISE enforces identity-based policies but lacks full network automation and assurance. NetFlow provides traffic visibility but does not enable centralized configuration or policy enforcement. Prime Infrastructure offers monitoring and management but does not provide AI-driven assurance or intent-based automation.

Operationally, DNA Center simplifies enterprise network management, enhances security through automated policy enforcement, and ensures predictable network performance. It offers a single pane of glass for provisioning, monitoring, and troubleshooting, reducing operational overhead and improving overall network reliability.

In conclusion, Cisco DNA Center provides centralized network automation, assurance, and policy-based management across enterprise wired and wireless networks, making option B correct.

Question 146:

Which WAN technology enables enterprises to create scalable, secure, and segmented networks using label-based forwarding, supporting traffic engineering and QoS?

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

Answer:

C) MPLS VPN

Explanation:

Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are a foundational WAN technology for enterprises requiring scalable, secure, and high-performance connectivity across multiple sites. MPLS VPNs use label-based forwarding to provide predictable and efficient traffic transport, enabling traffic engineering, Quality of Service (QoS), and multi-tenant segmentation.

MPLS replaces traditional IP forwarding based solely on routing tables with label-switched paths (LSPs). Each packet is assigned a label at the ingress router, which determines its path through the MPLS network. This label-based forwarding is faster and more efficient than conventional routing, reducing processing time and improving overall network performance.

MPLS VPNs leverage Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF) to segment traffic for multiple tenants or business units. Each VRF maintains an independent routing table, allowing overlapping IP address spaces while ensuring strict separation of traffic. Layer 3 MPLS VPNs provide IP-based segmentation, whereas Layer 2 VPNs, such as VPLS, extend Ethernet connectivity across the MPLS backbone for legacy or non-IP workloads.

Traffic engineering is a significant advantage of MPLS. Administrators can direct high-priority traffic along optimal paths, avoiding congested links, and ensuring consistent application performance. QoS policies guarantee bandwidth, latency, and jitter for latency-sensitive applications such as VoIP, video conferencing, or cloud workloads. MPLS also supports redundancy and rapid failover, ensuring high availability for mission-critical services.

Other WAN technologies have limitations. DSL provides low bandwidth with no inherent QoS or segmentation. Frame Relay is a legacy technology with minimal traffic engineering capabilities. Metro Ethernet delivers high-speed connectivity but lacks native traffic engineering, multi-tenant segmentation, or QoS guarantees.

Integration with SD-WAN enhances MPLS VPN deployments, allowing centralized policy management, dynamic provisioning of VRFs, and simplified monitoring. Enterprises benefit from secure, predictable, and scalable WAN connectivity, supporting multi-site operations, hybrid cloud adoption, and business-critical applications with high-performance requirements.

Operationally, MPLS VPN is ideal for enterprise networks requiring deterministic traffic handling, segmentation for multi-tenant deployments, and guaranteed service levels. Its combination of label-based forwarding, traffic engineering, and QoS enforcement ensures optimal utilization of WAN resources while maintaining security and reliability.

In conclusion, MPLS VPN enables scalable, secure, and segmented enterprise networks using label-based forwarding, traffic engineering, and QoS, making option C correct.

Question 147:

Which protocol allows Layer 2 connectivity over a Layer 3 infrastructure and supports multi-tenant segmentation in modern data centers?

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

Answer:

C) VXLAN with BGP EVPN

Explanation:

VXLAN (Virtual Extensible LAN) with BGP EVPN (Ethernet VPN) is a widely adopted overlay solution for modern data centers and enterprise networks. It allows Layer 2 connectivity over a Layer 3 infrastructure while supporting secure multi-tenant segmentation, workload mobility, and efficient resource utilization.

VXLAN encapsulates Ethernet frames into UDP packets, allowing traffic to traverse IP networks. VXLAN Tunnel Endpoints (VTEPs) handle encapsulation and decapsulation at the network edge, enabling devices across different subnets or physical locations to communicate as if they were on the same Layer 2 segment. This facilitates workload mobility, server migrations, and flexible network design without changing the physical infrastructure.

BGP EVPN functions as the control plane for VXLAN overlays, advertising MAC addresses and VXLAN Network Identifiers (VNIs) among VTEPs. By using EVPN, networks avoid flooding unknown unicast traffic, reducing CPU and memory consumption and improving scalability. Each VNI corresponds to a tenant or application, providing secure multi-tenant segmentation across shared physical resources.

Other technologies lack these capabilities. VLANs provide Layer 2 segmentation but are limited to 4,096 IDs and rely on flooding unknown unicast traffic. GRE tunnels encapsulate traffic but do not provide multi-tenant awareness or a MAC-distribution control plane. STP prevents loops but offers no overlay or multi-tenant functionality.

VXLAN with BGP EVPN supports active-active multi-homing and load balancing, ensuring high availability and efficient traffic distribution. Integration with SDN controllers like Cisco ACI or DNA Center enables centralized policy enforcement, automation, and monitoring. Policies can dynamically follow workloads, ensuring consistent access control and segmentation.

Operationally, VXLAN with BGP EVPN enables enterprises to scale data center networks beyond traditional Layer 2 limitations while reducing broadcast traffic and providing predictable forwarding. Multi-tenant segmentation ensures traffic isolation, security, and efficient resource allocation for modern, cloud-ready networks. It also supports high-density deployments and dynamic network environments.

In conclusion, VXLAN with BGP EVPN allows Layer 2 connectivity over Layer 3 networks with multi-tenant segmentation, making option C correct.

Question 148:

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

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

Answer:

D) 802.11ac

Explanation:

802.11ac, also referred to as Wi-Fi 5, is a wireless standard designed for high-throughput, high-density enterprise environments. Operating in the 5 GHz band, it provides more non-overlapping channels than 2.4 GHz, reducing interference and improving performance in environments with multiple access points and many connected devices.

Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO) is a key feature, allowing access points to communicate with multiple clients simultaneously. This capability increases throughput, reduces latency, and optimizes network efficiency, particularly in office spaces, auditoriums, and conference rooms where high device density is common. Beamforming technology further improves signal reliability and coverage by directing RF energy toward specific clients.

802.11ac also supports wider channel bandwidths (up to 160 MHz) and higher-order modulation (256-QAM), resulting in higher data rates compared to previous standards. These capabilities support bandwidth-intensive applications like video conferencing, VoIP, and cloud collaboration. Enterprise wireless controllers provide centralized management, seamless roaming, and policy enforcement, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.

Other standards are less suitable for modern enterprise networks. 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 are limited to 2.4 GHz, offering slower speeds and being more prone to interference, making them unsuitable for high-density deployments.

Operationally, 802.11ac ensures reliable, high-performance wireless connectivity, efficient spectrum usage, and predictable performance for multiple concurrent clients. It meets the requirements of modern enterprise networks, supporting mobility, high-throughput applications, and scalability in dense deployments.

In conclusion, 802.11ac operates in the 5 GHz band, supports MU-MIMO, and provides high throughput for high-density enterprise environments, making option D correct.

Question 149:

Which Cisco solution provides centralized network automation, assurance, and policy-based management for enterprise wired and wireless networks?

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

Answer:

B) Cisco DNA Center

Explanation:

Cisco Digital Network Architecture (DNA) Center is a centralized platform for enterprise network management, providing automation, assurance, and policy-based management for both wired and wireless environments. DNA Center is a core component of Cisco’s intent-based networking solution, translating business objectives into automated network configurations while continuously monitoring and assuring network performance.

Automation in DNA Center enables centralized provisioning of devices, VLANs, SSIDs, QoS policies, and software images. Policies can be based on user roles, device types, and applications, ensuring consistent access control and compliance across the network. This reduces human errors, accelerates deployment, and improves operational efficiency.

Assurance leverages telemetry and analytics to monitor network performance in real-time, detect anomalies, and predict potential issues. AI and machine learning help IT teams identify root causes quickly, reducing downtime and improving user experience. DNA Center also integrates with Cisco ISE to enforce identity-based policies, providing dynamic segmentation and security enforcement across wired and wireless networks.

Other solutions provide partial functionality. Cisco ISE focuses on identity and policy enforcement but lacks full network automation and assurance. NetFlow provides traffic visibility but cannot enforce policies. Prime Infrastructure offers monitoring and management but lacks AI-driven assurance or intent-based automation.

Operationally, DNA Center simplifies network management, enhances security through automated policy enforcement, and ensures predictable network performance. It provides a single pane of glass for monitoring, provisioning, and troubleshooting across all enterprise devices and sites, reducing operational overhead and improving reliability.

In conclusion, Cisco DNA Center provides centralized network automation, assurance, and policy-based management for enterprise wired and wireless networks, making option B correct.

Question 150:

Which routing protocol supports hierarchical network design using areas, fast convergence, and is suitable for both IPv4 and IPv6 enterprise networks?

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

Answer:

B) OSPF

Explanation:

Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) is a link-state routing protocol commonly used in enterprise networks, supporting hierarchical design through areas, fast convergence, and compatibility with both IPv4 (OSPFv2) and IPv6 (OSPFv3). Its design ensures scalability, predictable routing, and efficient utilization of network resources.

OSPF divides networks into areas to reduce routing table size and limit the propagation of routing updates. The backbone area (Area 0) connects all other areas, ensuring connectivity across the network. Each router maintains a Link-State Database (LSDB) that represents the topology of its area. The Shortest Path First (SPF) algorithm calculates loop-free, optimal paths to all destinations, ensuring reliable routing.

Fast convergence is a hallmark of OSPF. When a topology change occurs, only affected areas recalculate their SPF tree, reducing the time required to update routing tables and minimizing network disruption. OSPF also supports summarization, stub areas, totally stubby areas, and NSSA for efficient routing table management. Authentication of routing updates ensures network security and prevents unauthorized route injection.

Other protocols are less suitable. RIP converges slowly, is limited to 15 hops, and is not scalable. EIGRP is Cisco-proprietary, limiting multi-vendor interoperability. BGP is optimized for inter-domain routing and is not suitable for intra-enterprise networks requiring fast convergence and hierarchical design.

Operationally, OSPF provides predictable network behavior, rapid recovery from failures, and efficient traffic management. Its open-standard implementation ensures compatibility across devices from multiple vendors. It supports modern dual-stack networks, allowing seamless IPv4 and IPv6 integration while maintaining reliability and performance in large enterprise networks.

In conclusion, OSPF supports hierarchical design using areas, fast convergence, and is suitable for both IPv4 and IPv6 enterprise networks, making option B correct.

Question 151:

Which Cisco solution provides identity-based network access control, dynamic policy enforcement, and endpoint compliance verification for enterprise environments?

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

Answer:

B) Cisco ISE

Explanation:

Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) is a comprehensive, centralized security platform that enables enterprises to enforce identity-based network access control, dynamic policy enforcement, and endpoint compliance verification. ISE operates as the AAA (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting) server for both wired and wireless networks, ensuring that users and devices adhere to the organization’s security policies before gaining access.

ISE integrates with 802.1X authentication for port-based access control, MAC Authentication Bypass (MAB) for non-802.1X-capable devices, and VPN authentication for remote users. During authentication, ISE evaluates user credentials, device certificates, or multi-factor authentication tokens to determine if access should be granted. Once authenticated, ISE dynamically enforces policies based on user role, device type, security posture, location, and other contextual parameters. For example, guest users may be restricted to an isolated VLAN, while corporate laptops are granted full access.

Endpoint compliance is a key feature of ISE. Devices are assessed for compliance with security policies, including antivirus, firewall, patching, or encryption status. Non-compliant endpoints can be redirected to remediation networks or quarantined until they meet the required standards. This reduces the risk of introducing vulnerabilities into the enterprise network.

ISE also supports multi-tenant segmentation using Security Group Tags (SGTs) and policies, ensuring that traffic from one business unit or tenant does not interfere with others. Logging and accounting features provide detailed session tracking, which helps with compliance audits, troubleshooting, and security incident response. ISE can also integrate with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems to provide real-time alerts on suspicious behavior or policy violations.

Other solutions provide partial functionality. Cisco DNA Center focuses on automation and assurance but does not perform identity-based access control. NetFlow provides network traffic visibility but lacks policy enforcement or authentication. Prime Infrastructure focuses on monitoring and management without dynamic identity-based enforcement.

Operationally, ISE reduces administrative complexity, enforces consistent security policies, and enhances endpoint compliance across large enterprise networks. Its integration with Cisco SD-Access allows policies to dynamically follow devices and users, creating a seamless and secure network environment. With centralized control, ISE ensures that every device and user accessing the network meets organizational security requirements, improving both security posture and operational efficiency.

In conclusion, Cisco ISE provides identity-based network access control, dynamic policy enforcement, and endpoint compliance verification, making option B correct.

Question 152:

Which WAN technology enables enterprises to deliver secure, scalable, and multi-tenant connectivity with traffic engineering and QoS guarantees?

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

Answer:

B) MPLS VPN

Explanation:

Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) VPN is a widely adopted WAN technology that allows enterprises to provide secure, scalable, and high-performance connectivity across multiple locations. MPLS VPNs use label-based forwarding to efficiently transport traffic across the network, enabling traffic engineering, Quality of Service (QoS), and multi-tenant segmentation.

In MPLS, each packet receives a label at the ingress router, which determines the path through the MPLS network. This label-based forwarding allows routers to forward packets more efficiently than traditional IP routing, reducing latency and CPU utilization. Traffic engineering ensures that high-priority traffic, such as voice, video, or cloud applications, is delivered via optimal paths while avoiding congested links. QoS guarantees ensure bandwidth, latency, and jitter requirements are met, maintaining consistent application performance.

MPLS VPNs support multi-tenant connectivity using Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF) instances. Each VRF maintains a separate routing table, allowing overlapping IP address spaces and isolating traffic between tenants or business units. Layer 3 MPLS VPNs provide IP-based segmentation, whereas Layer 2 MPLS VPNs, such as VPLS, extend Ethernet connectivity across the WAN.

Other WAN technologies are less capable. DSL offers low bandwidth and limited scalability without QoS or multi-tenant support. Frame Relay is legacy technology with minimal traffic engineering and QoS capabilities. Metro Ethernet provides high-speed connectivity but lacks inherent multi-tenant segmentation or advanced traffic engineering features.

Integration with SD-WAN solutions enhances MPLS VPN deployments by allowing centralized policy management, automated provisioning of VRFs, and simplified monitoring. Enterprises gain secure, high-performance connectivity across multiple sites, supporting hybrid cloud adoption, business-critical applications, and multi-tenant environments.

Operationally, MPLS VPN provides predictable network behavior, secure segmentation, and guaranteed service levels for enterprise WANs. Its ability to combine scalability, traffic engineering, QoS, and multi-tenant support makes it ideal for modern enterprise networks that require high availability, low latency, and predictable performance across all sites.

In conclusion, MPLS VPN enables secure, scalable, and multi-tenant WAN connectivity with traffic engineering and QoS, making option B correct.

Question 153:

Which protocol allows Layer 2 overlay networks to extend across a Layer 3 infrastructure, supporting multi-tenant segmentation and reduced flooding?

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

Answer:

C) VXLAN with BGP EVPN

Explanation:

VXLAN (Virtual Extensible LAN) with BGP EVPN (Ethernet VPN) is a modern overlay solution that enables Layer 2 networks to extend across a Layer 3 infrastructure. This approach provides flexibility, scalability, and multi-tenant segmentation while minimizing broadcast traffic and flooding, which is a significant limitation of traditional VLAN-based networks.

VXLAN encapsulates Ethernet frames in UDP packets, allowing Layer 2 traffic to traverse IP networks. VXLAN Tunnel Endpoints (VTEPs) perform encapsulation and decapsulation at network edges. Each endpoint maintains a mapping of MAC addresses to VNIs (VXLAN Network Identifiers), enabling seamless Layer 2 communication between devices in different subnets or locations without relying on flooding.

BGP EVPN serves as the control plane, advertising MAC-to-VTEP mappings and enabling deterministic traffic forwarding. This eliminates unknown unicast flooding, reduces CPU utilization on switches, and improves overall network efficiency. VNIs are associated with tenants or applications, providing secure multi-tenant segmentation across shared physical infrastructure.

Other technologies are limited. VLANs provide Layer 2 segmentation but are constrained by the 12-bit VLAN ID (4,096 VLANs) and rely on flooding unknown traffic. GRE tunnels encapsulate traffic but lack multi-tenant awareness or MAC-based control-plane functionality. STP prevents loops but does not provide overlay functionality or scalable segmentation.

VXLAN with BGP EVPN also supports active-active multi-homing, load balancing, and seamless workload mobility, which is crucial in data center and cloud environments. Integration with SDN controllers, such as Cisco ACI or DNA Center, allows centralized policy enforcement, automation, and monitoring, ensuring consistent security and optimal traffic forwarding across the network.

Operationally, VXLAN with BGP EVPN improves scalability, reduces broadcast traffic, supports multi-tenant segmentation, and enhances high-availability deployments. It allows enterprises to expand data center networks without requiring major changes to the physical infrastructure and supports dynamic workloads with minimal operational overhead.

In conclusion, VXLAN with BGP EVPN allows Layer 2 overlays across Layer 3 networks with multi-tenant segmentation and reduced flooding, making option C correct.

Question 154:

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

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

Answer:

D) 802.11ac

Explanation:

802.11ac, also called Wi-Fi 5, is designed for high-throughput and high-density enterprise environments. Operating primarily in the 5 GHz frequency band, it offers more non-overlapping channels than 2.4 GHz, which reduces interference and enhances performance in dense deployments with multiple access points and numerous devices.

Multi-User MIMO (MU-MIMO) allows access points to transmit data simultaneously to multiple clients, increasing throughput and reducing latency. Beamforming directs the wireless signal toward specific clients, improving coverage and reliability. Wider channel bandwidths (up to 160 MHz) and higher-order modulation (256-QAM) contribute to higher data rates compared to previous standards.

Other wireless standards have limitations. 802.11n operates in both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz but lacks MU-MIMO. 802.11b and 802.11g are limited to 2.4 GHz with lower speeds and higher susceptibility to interference. Enterprise wireless controllers manage SSIDs, policies, and seamless roaming for 802.11ac networks, enhancing operational efficiency and user experience.

Operationally, 802.11ac ensures predictable, reliable, and high-performance wireless connectivity for dense enterprise environments. It supports mobility, high-throughput applications, and efficient spectrum utilization, making it the preferred standard for modern enterprises.

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

Question 155:

Which Cisco solution provides centralized network automation, assurance, and policy-based management across enterprise wired and wireless networks?

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

Answer:

B) Cisco DNA Center

Explanation:

Cisco Digital Network Architecture (DNA) Center is a centralized platform for enterprise network management, providing automation, assurance, and policy-based management for both wired and wireless networks. DNA Center enables intent-based networking by translating business policies into automated configurations while providing continuous assurance and monitoring.

Automation features allow administrators to provision devices, configure VLANs, deploy SSIDs, enforce QoS policies, and manage software images centrally. Policies can be based on user roles, device types, and applications, ensuring consistent access control and compliance across the network. This reduces manual errors, accelerates deployment, and improves operational efficiency.

Assurance leverages telemetry, analytics, and AI/ML to monitor network performance, detect anomalies, and predict potential issues. Root-cause analysis helps IT teams resolve problems quickly, minimizing downtime and enhancing end-user experience. DNA Center integrates with Cisco ISE to enforce identity-based policies, enabling dynamic segmentation and secure access for users and devices.

Other solutions offer partial capabilities. Cisco ISE focuses on identity and policy enforcement but lacks full automation and assurance. NetFlow provides traffic visibility but cannot enforce centralized policies. Prime Infrastructure provides monitoring and management but lacks AI-driven assurance or intent-based automation.

Operationally, DNA Center simplifies network management, enhances security through automated policy enforcement, and ensures predictable network performance. It provides a single-pane-of-glass interface for provisioning, monitoring, and troubleshooting, reducing operational overhead and improving overall network reliability and performance.

In conclusion, Cisco DNA Center provides centralized network automation, assurance, and policy-based management across enterprise wired and wireless networks, making option B correct.

Question 156:

Which protocol is used in Cisco enterprise networks to provide secure, centralized authentication, authorization, and accounting for both wired and wireless users?

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

Answer:

B) RADIUS

Explanation:

Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) is a widely deployed protocol in Cisco enterprise networks, providing secure, centralized authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) for users across wired, wireless, and VPN connections. It is essential in modern enterprise networks where centralized management of access policies ensures security, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Authentication is the first step in the AAA process. RADIUS validates user credentials against a central database, which could be an LDAP directory, Active Directory, or another backend database. Integration with 802.1X ensures that devices cannot access the network unless they are authenticated, which is especially critical in environments with high security requirements, such as corporate campuses or data centers.

Authorization occurs after authentication, determining what resources the user or device can access. RADIUS allows the enforcement of policies, such as VLAN assignments, Security Group Tags (SGTs), QoS profiles, or access to specific applications, based on the user’s role, device type, or location. This ensures that different types of users, including employees, contractors, and guests, receive appropriate access without compromising security.

Accounting provides detailed logs of network activity. Each session records information such as the user, device, session duration, and commands executed. This data supports compliance reporting, auditing, and troubleshooting, offering visibility into network usage and security incidents. For instance, in a corporate network, administrators can identify unusual login patterns or unauthorized device access.

TACACS+ is another AAA protocol, but it is optimized for administrative access to network devices rather than general network access for end users. SNMP is used for network monitoring and device management, not for authentication. LDAP provides directory services but does not enforce AAA policies on its own.

RADIUS is often integrated with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), which enhances its capabilities by adding device profiling, posture assessment, dynamic policy enforcement, and multi-factor authentication. ISE ensures that endpoints comply with security policies and can automatically quarantine or remediate non-compliant devices.

Operationally, RADIUS centralizes authentication and policy enforcement, reduces administrative complexity, improves security, and scales to support thousands of devices and users. It provides consistent policy application across wired, wireless, and VPN networks, ensuring reliable access control and compliance.

In conclusion, RADIUS is the protocol used in Cisco enterprise networks to provide secure, centralized authentication, authorization, and accounting for wired and wireless users, making option B correct.

Question 157:

Which routing protocol is best suited for multi-vendor enterprise networks, supports hierarchical design with areas, and provides fast convergence?

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

Answer:

B) OSPF

Explanation:

Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) is a link-state routing protocol optimized for large, hierarchical enterprise networks and is suitable for multi-vendor environments. Its open-standard implementation ensures interoperability across devices from different vendors, unlike Cisco-proprietary protocols such as EIGRP.

OSPF supports hierarchical network design through areas. The backbone area (Area 0) connects all other areas, ensuring scalable and efficient routing. This segmentation reduces routing table sizes, limits the propagation of updates, and isolates network changes to specific areas, improving stability and performance.

OSPF uses the Shortest Path First (SPF) algorithm to compute loop-free, optimal routes based on link-state information. When a network topology change occurs, OSPF recalculates routes only in the affected areas, enabling fast convergence and minimal service disruption. This makes it highly reliable for enterprise networks supporting critical applications.

Route summarization in OSPF helps reduce routing table size, improving memory and CPU efficiency on routers. Additionally, OSPF provides multiple authentication methods to protect against unauthorized route injection, enhancing network security. It supports both IPv4 (OSPFv2) and IPv6 (OSPFv3), allowing seamless integration in dual-stack environments.

Other protocols have limitations. RIP is a distance-vector protocol with slow convergence and limited scalability. EIGRP is fast and feature-rich but Cisco-proprietary, limiting multi-vendor interoperability. BGP is primarily designed for inter-domain routing and is not optimized for intra-enterprise networks requiring fast convergence.

Operationally, OSPF allows predictable routing, scalable hierarchical design, fast convergence, and reliable network operation. Its open standard ensures compatibility across multi-vendor networks, while its ability to support large enterprise networks with multiple areas makes it a preferred choice for backbone routing and campus networks.

In conclusion, OSPF is best suited for multi-vendor enterprise networks, supports hierarchical design using areas, and provides fast convergence, making option B correct.

Question 158:

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

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

Answer:

B) MPLS VPN

Explanation:

Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) VPN is a highly scalable WAN technology that enables enterprises to deliver secure, multi-tenant connectivity with traffic engineering and Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees. It is ideal for modern enterprise networks that require predictable performance for critical applications such as voice, video, and cloud workloads.

MPLS uses label-based forwarding rather than traditional IP routing. Each packet receives a label at the ingress router, which determines its path across the MPLS network. Label-based forwarding allows for fast, deterministic packet delivery and simplifies traffic engineering, enabling administrators to direct high-priority traffic along optimal paths while avoiding congestion.

Traffic engineering and QoS capabilities ensure that latency-sensitive applications such as VoIP and video conferencing receive guaranteed bandwidth and low jitter, even during periods of high network utilization. MPLS VPNs also support redundancy and failover, improving reliability for business-critical applications.

Multi-tenant segmentation is provided through Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF). Each tenant or business unit can have an independent routing table, allowing overlapping IP address spaces and complete traffic isolation. Layer 3 MPLS VPNs offer IP-based segmentation, while Layer 2 VPNs such as VPLS extend Ethernet connectivity for legacy workloads.

Other WAN technologies have limitations. DSL provides limited bandwidth and lacks traffic engineering or multi-tenant support. Frame Relay is a legacy technology with minimal QoS and traffic engineering capabilities. Metro Ethernet provides high-speed connectivity but does not inherently support multi-tenant segmentation or traffic engineering.

Integration with SD-WAN solutions enhances MPLS VPN, enabling centralized management, policy enforcement, and dynamic provisioning of VRFs. Enterprises benefit from secure, reliable connectivity with predictable performance and the ability to support hybrid cloud deployments and multiple sites.

Operationally, MPLS VPN reduces operational complexity, provides guaranteed service levels, and scales to support thousands of users and devices. Its ability to combine multi-tenant segmentation, traffic engineering, and QoS makes it a cornerstone for enterprise WAN design.

In conclusion, MPLS VPN supports secure multi-tenant connectivity, traffic engineering, and QoS guarantees for enterprise applications, making option B correct.

Question 159:

Which protocol allows enterprise networks to extend Layer 2 connectivity over Layer 3 infrastructures while supporting multi-tenant segmentation and reduced flooding?

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

Answer:

C) VXLAN with BGP EVPN

Explanation:

VXLAN (Virtual Extensible LAN) with BGP EVPN (Ethernet VPN) is an overlay technology used in enterprise networks to extend Layer 2 connectivity over Layer 3 infrastructures while supporting secure multi-tenant segmentation and minimizing flooding. VXLAN encapsulates Layer 2 frames in UDP packets, enabling traffic to traverse IP networks seamlessly.

VXLAN Tunnel Endpoints (VTEPs) handle encapsulation and decapsulation of traffic at the network edge. Each VTEP maintains a MAC-to-VTEP mapping table, allowing it to forward traffic directly to the correct destination without broadcasting unknown unicast frames. This reduces flooding, CPU usage, and overall network congestion.

BGP EVPN acts as the control plane, advertising MAC addresses and VXLAN Network Identifiers (VNIs) to all participating VTEPs. VNIs correspond to tenants or applications, ensuring isolation and security in multi-tenant deployments. Active-active multi-homing is supported, providing redundancy and load balancing while maintaining deterministic forwarding paths.

Other technologies have limitations. VLANs provide Layer 2 segmentation but rely on flooding unknown traffic and are limited by 4,096 IDs. GRE tunnels encapsulate traffic but do not provide MAC distribution or multi-tenant awareness. STP prevents loops but offers no overlay, segmentation, or control-plane benefits.

VXLAN with BGP EVPN is widely used in data centers and cloud-ready enterprise networks. It supports seamless workload mobility, multi-tenant segmentation, and integration with SDN controllers such as Cisco ACI or DNA Center for centralized policy enforcement, automation, and monitoring. This ensures consistent network policies across both physical and virtual environments.

Operationally, VXLAN with BGP EVPN improves scalability, reduces unnecessary traffic, and provides secure multi-tenant connectivity. Enterprises benefit from simplified Layer 2 extensions, predictable traffic forwarding, and enhanced high-availability deployment, making it ideal for modern data centers and hybrid cloud architectures.

In conclusion, VXLAN with BGP EVPN allows Layer 2 connectivity over Layer 3 networks with multi-tenant segmentation and reduced flooding, making option C correct.

Question 160:

Which Cisco solution provides centralized network automation, assurance, and policy-based management across enterprise wired and wireless networks?

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

Answer:

B) Cisco DNA Center

Explanation:

Cisco Digital Network Architecture (DNA) Center is a centralized network management platform that enables enterprises to implement automation, assurance, and policy-based management for both wired and wireless networks. DNA Center is the core of Cisco’s intent-based networking solution, translating business objectives into automated configurations while continuously monitoring and assuring network performance.

Automation in DNA Center enables centralized provisioning of network devices, VLANs, SSIDs, QoS policies, and software images. Policies can be role-based, device-based, or application-based, ensuring consistent and secure access across all devices. This reduces manual errors, accelerates deployment, and simplifies management for large enterprise networks.

Assurance uses telemetry, analytics, and AI/ML algorithms to monitor network performance, detect anomalies, and predict potential problems before they impact end users. Root-cause analysis tools allow IT teams to identify and resolve network issues quickly, minimizing downtime and improving user experience.

DNA Center integrates with Cisco ISE to provide identity-based policy enforcement, enabling dynamic segmentation and secure access for users and devices. Policies follow devices and users across wired and wireless networks, maintaining compliance and security. Additionally, DNA Center supports dual-stack IPv4/IPv6 deployments and integrates with SD-WAN, cloud services, and SD-Access, enabling end-to-end network management and policy enforcement.

Other solutions provide partial functionality. Cisco ISE focuses on identity-based access control and policy enforcement but lacks full automation and assurance. NetFlow offers traffic visibility but cannot enforce policies or automate configurations. Prime Infrastructure provides monitoring and management but lacks AI-driven assurance and intent-based automation.

Operationally, DNA Center simplifies enterprise network management, improves security through automated policy enforcement, and ensures predictable network performance. A single-pane-of-glass interface enables centralized provisioning, monitoring, and troubleshooting, reducing operational overhead and improving network reliability.

In conclusion, Cisco DNA Center provides centralized network automation, assurance, and policy-based management across enterprise wired and wireless networks, making option B correct.