Cisco 300-710 Practice Test Questions, Exam Dumps

Practice Exams:

View All

300-710 Cisco Practice Test Questions and Exam Dumps

Question No 1:

Which of the following statements accurately describes the result of enabling Cisco FTD (Firepower Threat Defense) clustering?

A. In the event of a master unit failure, the newly elected master unit retains all existing connections for the dynamic routing feature.
B. The master unit is the only device that supports Integrated Routing and Bridging (IRB).
C. Site-to-site VPN functionality is only supported by the master unit, and if the master unit fails, all VPN connections are dropped.
D. Cisco FTD clustering is supported by all Firepower appliances.

Answer:

The correct answer is C. Site-to-site VPN functionality is only supported by the master unit, and if the master unit fails, all VPN connections are dropped.

Explanation:

Cisco FTD (Firepower Threat Defense) clustering is designed to provide scalability, redundancy, and improved performance for organizations that need to manage multiple Firepower appliances. Clustering enables the grouping of multiple FTD devices (appliances) to operate as a single logical unit, thus simplifying management and enhancing network security. However, several important behaviors and limitations come into play when clustering is enabled. Let’s break down each option to understand why C is correct.

Option A: "In the event of a master unit failure, the newly elected master unit retains all existing connections for the dynamic routing feature."

This statement is incorrect. In Cisco FTD clustering, if the master unit fails, the newly elected master unit will not automatically retain all existing dynamic routing connections. The state and routing information from the failed master unit might not be transferred entirely to the new master, leading to potential disruptions in routing and connections. Dynamic routing protocols such as OSPF or BGP may require re-negotiation after a failover event.

Option B: "The master unit is the only device that supports Integrated Routing and Bridging (IRB)."

This statement is partially correct, but misleading. Integrated Routing and Bridging (IRB) is typically supported on the master unit within a clustered setup. However, it does not imply that the slave units in the cluster are completely devoid of IRB functionality; rather, the master unit manages and coordinates the IRB configuration, while the other units within the cluster follow the master’s instructions.

Option C: "Site-to-site VPN functionality is only supported by the master unit, and if the master unit fails, all VPN connections are dropped."

This statement is correct. In Cisco FTD clustering, site-to-site VPN configurations are handled exclusively by the master unit in the cluster. If the master unit fails, there will be an outage, causing all VPN connections to drop because the slave units do not handle VPN traffic independently in a clustered setup. After failover, the new master unit takes over, but this may involve re-establishing VPN sessions, leading to a temporary disruption.

Option D: "Cisco FTD clustering is supported by all Firepower appliances."

This statement is incorrect. Not all Cisco Firepower appliances support FTD clustering. The ability to configure a clustered deployment is available only on specific Firepower models, such as Firepower 4100 and 9300 series appliances. Other models may not have the hardware or software capabilities required to support clustering.

Cisco FTD clustering is a powerful feature for organizations that need to scale their network security operations. However, it comes with limitations, such as the dependency on the master unit for critical functions like site-to-site VPN. When implementing clustering, it's crucial to understand these constraints to ensure proper configuration and to mitigate potential disruptions in case of failover scenarios. Therefore, Option C is the most accurate answer.

Question No 2:

Which two conditions are required for establishing high availability (HA) between two Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) devices?

A. The devices must be running the same software version.
B. The devices can belong to different groups but must be in the same domain when configured in the Firepower Management Center (FMC).
C. The devices must be different models but part of the same series.
D. The devices must be configured exclusively in firewall routed mode.
E. The devices must be of the same model.

Answer:

The correct answers are A. The devices must be running the same software version and E. The devices must be of the same model.

Explanation:

High availability (HA) in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) deployments is a critical feature for ensuring the continuous availability of security services in case of device failure. High availability allows for one device (the primary or active unit) to handle traffic, while the other device (the secondary or standby unit) is in a ready-to-take-over state. For HA to function correctly between two Cisco FTD devices, certain conditions must be met. Let's break down each option to understand why A and E are correct.

Option A: "The devices must be running the same software version."

This condition is required. For high availability to work smoothly, both Cisco FTD devices must be running the same software version. If there is a software mismatch, it can lead to synchronization issues between the devices, which may cause instability in the HA configuration. Running the same version ensures that both devices have identical capabilities, settings, and features, which is essential for seamless failover and synchronization.

Option B: "The devices can belong to different groups but must be in the same domain when configured within the Firepower Management Center (FMC)."

This statement is incorrect. Both devices in an HA pair should be configured in the same management domain, but the concept of "different groups" does not directly relate to the requirements for HA. In fact, the devices should be part of the same high availability pair and configured within the same domain in the FMC. The grouping is not as relevant as ensuring they are within the same management scope.

Option C: "The devices must be different models but part of the same series."

This statement is incorrect. While Cisco FTD devices can sometimes work within the same series, the devices in a high availability pair must be of the same model. Using different models can cause compatibility issues that prevent proper synchronization and failover functionality. For example, a higher-end model may have more resources or different features that a lower-end model cannot support, leading to problems in the HA setup.

Option D: "The devices must be configured exclusively in firewall routed mode."

This statement is incorrect. High availability can work in both routed mode and transparent mode (which are the two primary operational modes for FTD). The mode in which the devices are configured does not limit the ability to implement HA, so the requirement to configure them exclusively in one mode is not necessary.

Option E: "The devices must be of the same model."

This condition is required. For high availability to work correctly, the two Cisco FTD devices in the HA pair must be of the same model. This ensures compatibility in terms of hardware capabilities, memory, processing power, and other performance factors, preventing potential synchronization and performance issues.

For high availability to function between two Cisco FTD devices, the devices must be running the same software version and be of the same model. These conditions are necessary to ensure proper synchronization, failover, and redundancy between the two devices. It's crucial to adhere to these requirements to maintain a stable and reliable HA configuration. Therefore, A and E are the correct answers.

Question No 3:

Which option under the Inline Set Properties on the Advanced tab allows interfaces to emulate a passive interface in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD)?

A. Transparent inline mode
B. TAP mode
C. Strict TCP enforcement
D. Propagate link state

Answer:

The correct answer is B. TAP mode.

Explanation:

In Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD), the Inline Set feature is used to manage how network traffic is processed when the device is deployed in inline mode. This setup is common when FTD is used for network security in environments that require traffic inspection and filtering. The Advanced tab in the inline set properties allows you to configure detailed settings for how traffic is handled, including the ability to emulate a passive interface for specific network interfaces.

Let’s explore the options to understand why TAP mode is the correct answer:

Option A: Transparent inline mode

This option is incorrect. Transparent inline mode refers to a deployment mode where the FTD device acts like a transparent bridge between two network segments. In this mode, traffic can flow through the device without the need for IP addressing. However, this mode is not designed to emulate a passive interface. It does not directly relate to the ability to passively monitor or emulate a passive interface.

Option B: TAP mode

This is correct. TAP mode (Test Access Point mode) allows the Cisco Firepower appliance to emulate a passive interface by copying the traffic without actively modifying or blocking it. In TAP mode, the interface mirrors the traffic from one or more interfaces, and the device only inspects and analyzes the traffic without interfering with its flow. This is especially useful when monitoring traffic without introducing any disruption or altering the behavior of the network. TAP mode essentially creates a "listening" state where the Firepower device acts passively and does not impact the traffic's path.

Option C: Strict TCP enforcement

This option is incorrect. Strict TCP enforcement refers to a feature that enforces more stringent validation of TCP traffic to prevent anomalies, such as session hijacking or incomplete TCP handshakes. This setting is related to the inspection of TCP traffic, but it does not relate to the emulation of passive interfaces.

Option D: Propagate link state

This option is incorrect. Propagate link state allows the Firepower device to propagate the link state to other network devices in certain configurations, particularly for dynamic routing or HA (High Availability) deployments. This setting has no relation to emulating a passive interface, which focuses on monitoring traffic without actively participating in the data path.

In Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD), TAP mode is the correct configuration to emulate a passive interface. When deployed in TAP mode, the device monitors the traffic without altering its flow, effectively allowing it to "listen" to the traffic, making it ideal for non-intrusive network monitoring. This can be useful for troubleshooting, performance analysis, or security monitoring where you need to inspect traffic but do not want the device to intervene in the traffic path. Therefore, B. TAP mode is the correct answer.

Question No 4:

What are the minimum requirements to deploy a managed device in inline mode within a Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) deployment?

A. Inline interfaces, security zones, MTU, and mode
B. Passive interface, MTU, and mode
C. Inline interfaces, MTU, and mode
D. Passive interface, security zone, MTU, and mode

Answer:

The correct answer is C. Inline interfaces, MTU, and mode.

Explanation:

When deploying a Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) device in inline mode, it means that the device is inserted directly into the traffic flow between two network segments. This setup allows the FTD appliance to actively inspect and process all traffic passing through, providing protection from threats in real time by analyzing and enforcing security policies.

To deploy a managed device in inline mode, there are several critical requirements that must be met to ensure that the device can function properly and provide effective traffic inspection and security enforcement. Let’s review the options to understand why C is the correct answer:

Option A: Inline interfaces, security zones, MTU, and mode

This option is incorrect because although inline interfaces, MTU, and mode are essential for inline mode deployment, security zones are not strictly required for deploying the device in inline mode. Security zones are typically used in security policies and device configurations, but they are not part of the fundamental requirements to get the device running in inline mode.

Option B: Passive interface, MTU, and mode

This option is incorrect because passive interfaces are used for deployments where the Firepower device is meant to passively monitor traffic (e.g., in monitoring or TAP mode), not inline mode. Passive interfaces allow the device to observe traffic without interrupting the data flow, while inline mode requires interfaces to be actively involved in traffic processing.

Option C: Inline interfaces, MTU, and mode

This is correct. For inline mode deployment, the minimum requirements are:

Inline interfaces: You need interfaces to be specifically configured to be inline. These interfaces will process the traffic passing through them.
MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit): The MTU setting defines the maximum packet size that the interface will handle. Proper configuration of MTU is critical to avoid fragmentation issues and ensure efficient traffic flow.
Mode: The device needs to be configured for inline mode, indicating that it will actively inspect and filter traffic.

These three elements ensure that the device can effectively intercept, process, and enforce security policies on the traffic as it flows between network segments.
Option D: Passive interface, security zone, MTU, and mode

This option is incorrect because passive interfaces are used in monitoring (TAP) mode, not inline mode. While security zones and MTU are important for defining network boundaries and ensuring proper traffic handling, the passive interface is incompatible with inline mode, where active traffic inspection is required.

For a Cisco Firepower Threat Defense device to be deployed in inline mode, the minimum requirements are inline interfaces, MTU, and mode. These settings ensure that the device can actively inspect and control the traffic passing through it, providing real-time protection and enforcing security policies. Thus, the correct answer is C. Inline interfaces, MTU, and mode.

Question No 5:

What is the key difference between Inline mode and Inline Tap mode on Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD)?

A. Inline Tap mode can send a copy of the traffic to another device.
B. Inline Tap mode performs full packet capture.
C. Inline mode cannot perform SSL decryption.
D. Inline mode can drop malicious traffic.

Answer:

The correct answer is D. Inline mode can drop malicious traffic.

Explanation:

In Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD), Inline mode and Inline Tap mode are two deployment options that determine how traffic is processed and how the device interacts with network traffic. The primary difference between the two modes lies in their level of interaction with traffic and their ability to influence traffic flow. Let's break down the options:

Option A: Inline Tap mode can send a copy of the traffic to another device.

This statement is correct, but it does not highlight the main difference. In Inline Tap mode, traffic is still mirrored to another device for monitoring or analysis purposes without disrupting the flow. However, this is a secondary function, and it doesn't fully describe the key distinction between Inline and Inline Tap.

Option B: Inline Tap mode performs full packet capture.

This option is incorrect. Inline Tap mode is not designed for packet capture. While it allows for traffic mirroring to another device, packet capture requires a separate configuration and isn't a core function of Inline Tap mode. Inline Tap is more about monitoring traffic passively, not capturing it.

Option C: Inline mode cannot perform SSL decryption.

This statement is incorrect. Inline mode can indeed perform SSL decryption, allowing the Firepower device to inspect encrypted traffic. This is one of the significant advantages of Inline mode over other modes, like monitoring modes.

Option D: Inline mode can drop malicious traffic.

This statement is correct and represents the key difference between Inline mode and Inline Tap mode. In Inline mode, the Firepower device actively inspects and controls traffic, including the ability to drop malicious traffic based on security policies. This is a critical function for protecting the network in real time. In contrast, Inline Tap mode merely monitors traffic without modifying or blocking it.

The main difference between Inline mode and Inline Tap mode is that Inline mode actively processes and can drop malicious traffic, while Inline Tap mode is a passive monitoring mode that does not alter the traffic flow. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Inline mode can drop malicious traffic.

Question No 6:

In Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) software, which interface mode must be configured to passively receive traffic passing through the appliance without interfering with it?

A. Inline set
B. Passive
C. Routed
D. Inline Tap

Answer:

The correct answer is D. Inline Tap.

Explanation:

When deploying Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) in a network, there are various interface modes available, each providing different levels of interaction with network traffic. The mode selected determines how the device handles the traffic and whether it can actively inspect, modify, or simply monitor the traffic passing through it.

Let’s break down each option to understand why Inline Tap is the correct choice:

Option A: Inline set

This option is incorrect. Inline set refers to a configuration for deploying devices in inline mode. In inline mode, the Firepower device actively inspects and controls traffic. However, it doesn’t passively monitor traffic. Instead, it is actively part of the traffic flow and can block malicious traffic. This is different from passively receiving traffic, as the device plays an active role in influencing traffic flow.

Option B: Passive

This option is incorrect. While Passive mode may sound like it would be used for monitoring, Cisco FTD does not have a specific mode simply called "Passive" for receiving traffic. Passive monitoring is achieved using Inline Tap mode, which is designed to passively receive traffic without modifying or dropping it.

Option C: Routed

This option is incorrect. Routed mode is a configuration where the Firepower device operates like a traditional router, routing traffic between different network segments. It does not passively receive traffic. In routed mode, the Firepower device handles traffic inspection and security enforcement, and it actively participates in the network routing process. While it can inspect traffic, it does so in a more active manner than simply receiving traffic passively.

Option D: Inline Tap

This is correct. Inline Tap mode allows the Firepower appliance to passively receive traffic passing through it without interfering with the flow of traffic. In this mode, the device acts as a “tap” or mirror, copying the traffic for inspection and analysis but not affecting the traffic itself. It does not drop, block, or modify the traffic in any way. Inline Tap mode is commonly used for monitoring purposes, where you want to inspect the traffic without influencing the traffic path.

To passively receive traffic that passes through the appliance without modifying or blocking it, you need to configure the device in Inline Tap mode. This mode allows for the mirroring of traffic to the device for inspection while ensuring that the traffic flow is not interrupted. Inline Tap mode is ideal for network monitoring, diagnostics, and security analysis without active intervention in the traffic flow. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Inline Tap.

Question No 7:

Which two deployment types in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) support high availability (HA)? (Choose two.)

A. Transparent
B. Routed
C. Clustered
D. Intra-chassis multi-instance
E. Virtual appliance in public cloud

Answer:

The correct answers are C. Clustered and D. Intra-chassis multi-instance.

Explanation:

High availability (HA) in Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) is a key feature that ensures the continuous availability of network security services, even in the event of a device failure. HA configurations enable the Firepower device to operate in an active-passive or active-active mode, where a secondary unit is on standby and ready to take over if the primary unit fails, minimizing downtime.

Several deployment types support HA in Cisco Firepower. Let’s break down the options to understand why Clustered and Intra-chassis multi-instance are the correct answers.

Option A: Transparent

Transparent mode refers to a deployment where the FTD appliance acts as a bridge between two network segments, without requiring IP addressing on the appliance itself. While transparent mode allows for traffic inspection, it does not inherently support high availability in the same way as clustered or multi-instance configurations. Transparent mode can be part of an HA setup, but it is not a deployment type that explicitly supports HA by itself.

Option B: Routed

Routed mode is another common deployment type where the FTD device operates as a traditional router, processing traffic between different network segments. While high availability can be configured with routed mode (using clustering or other HA mechanisms), routed mode itself is not a specific deployment type that directly supports HA without further configuration, such as clustering.

Option C: Clustered

Clustered deployment is specifically designed for high availability. In a clustered configuration, multiple Firepower devices are grouped together to function as a single logical unit. In the event of a device failure, the other devices in the cluster take over, ensuring continued protection and minimal downtime. This setup is an ideal HA solution and is one of the core ways to achieve high availability in Firepower deployments.

Option D: Intra-chassis multi-instance

Intra-chassis multi-instance is a feature that allows a single Firepower appliance to run multiple instances (virtual devices) within the same physical chassis. Each instance operates independently, with its own security policies and interfaces. This deployment type supports high availability within the device by providing failover capabilities between the different instances. If one instance fails, the others can continue operating, making this an effective HA solution.

Option E: Virtual appliance in public cloud

Virtual appliance in the public cloud refers to deploying Firepower in a cloud environment. While this can support scalability and flexibility, HA in this context is typically achieved through cloud-specific features such as virtual machine (VM) failover or cloud load balancing, rather than the traditional Firepower HA mechanisms. Thus, this deployment type does not inherently support HA in the same way that clustering or multi-instance setups do.

For Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD), high availability is typically achieved through deployment types that allow for redundancy and failover. Clustered deployment and Intra-chassis multi-instance configurations both directly support high availability, as they allow for active-passive or active-active configurations where a backup unit or instance can take over in case of failure. Therefore, the correct answers are C. Clustered and D. Intra-chassis multi-instance.