20+ practice questions focused on Network Assurance — one of the most tested topics on the ENCOR 350-401 exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation so you learn why the right answer is correct.
Start Network Assurance PracticeA network engineer notices intermittent connectivity issues between two switches connected via a trunk link. The trunk is configured with DTP in dynamic desirable mode on one side and trunk mode on the other. Which action should the engineer take to resolve the issue?
Explanation: Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP) in dynamic desirable mode actively attempts to negotiate a trunk, but when the other side is set to trunk mode (which is a static trunk configuration), DTP negotiation can still cause intermittent issues due to mismatched DTP frames or timing. Configuring both sides with switchport mode trunk disables DTP negotiation entirely, ensuring a stable, static trunk link without negotiation delays or failures.
A company has a core network running OSPF in a single area (area 0). The network consists of four routers: R1, R2, R3, and R4. R1 is connected to R2 and R3. R2 is also connected to R4. R3 is also connected to R4. All links are GigabitEthernet with OSPF cost based on bandwidth (reference bandwidth 100 Gbps). The network engineer notices that traffic from R1 to a subnet behind R4 is taking a suboptimal path: R1 -> R2 -> R4, instead of R1 -> R3 -> R4 which has lower cost. Upon checking OSPF neighbor states, all adjacencies are full. The engineer verifies that the cost on the R1-R3 link is 10 and the cost on the R3-R4 link is 10, while the R1-R2 link cost is 20 and the R2-R4 link cost is 20. The total cost via R2 is 40, via R3 is 20. However, the routing table on R1 shows the next-hop as R2 for the subnet behind R4. What is the most likely cause?
Explanation: The subnet behind R4 is likely redistributed into OSPF as an external route (type 5 LSA). The cost to reach the ASBR (R4) via R2 is 40, while via R3 it is 20, but if the external route's advertised cost is lower via R2 (e.g., due to a mismatched reference bandwidth or manual cost setting on R4's redistribution), OSPF will prefer the path with the lower total cost (intra-area cost to ASBR + external cost). In this scenario, the external cost via R2 could be 0 or very low, making the total cost via R2 (40 + low) lower than via R3 (20 + high), overriding the intra-area cost advantage.
Refer to the exhibit. A network engineer is troubleshooting a routing issue. The route for 10.0.0.0/8 is learned via EIGRP with metric 2560512. Which change would most likely cause the metric to increase?
Explanation: The EIGRP metric is calculated using the formula: metric = (K1 * bandwidth + (K2 * bandwidth) / (256 - load) + K3 * delay) * 256, with default K values (K1=1, K3=1, others=0). Increasing the delay on the outgoing interface (GigabitEthernet0/0) directly increases the delay component in the composite metric, causing the overall metric to increase. Option D is correct because delay is a key variable in the EIGRP metric calculation.
Match each wireless standard to its frequency band and maximum data rate.
Explanation: The correct matches are: 802.11b with 2.4 GHz / 11 Mbps; 802.11g with 2.4 GHz / 54 Mbps; 802.11n with 2.4/5 GHz / 600 Mbps; 802.11ac with 5 GHz / 1.3 Gbps. Common confusions arise from mixing up data rates or frequency bands across generations.
A network engineer is troubleshooting a connectivity issue between a Cisco Catalyst 9300 switch and a server. The server's NIC is configured for 1 Gbps full-duplex, but the switch port is showing 'half-duplex, 100 Mb/s' in 'show interfaces status'. The engineer suspects a duplex mismatch. Which command should be used to verify the current duplex and speed settings on the switch port?
Explanation: The command 'show interfaces status' provides a quick, tabular view of all interfaces, including operational duplex and speed. In a duplex mismatch scenario, this command immediately reveals the discrepancy between the switch port and the connected device. It is the most efficient way to verify the current duplex and speed settings without diving into extensive output.
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Practice all Network Assurance questions1. Baseline your knowledge
Start with 10 questions to gauge your current understanding of Network Assurance. This tells you whether you need a concept refresher or just practice.
2. Review every explanation
For each question — right or wrong — read the full explanation. Understanding why an answer is correct is more valuable than knowing the answer itself.
3. Focus on exam traps
Network Assurance questions on the 350-401 frequently use trap wording. Look for subtle differences in answers that test your precision, not just general knowledge.
4. Reach 80% consistently
Do repeated sessions until you score 80%+ three times in a row. Then move to mixed-mode practice to test cross-topic recall under realistic conditions.
The exact number varies per candidate. Network Assurance is tested as part of the ENCOR 350-401 blueprint. Practicing with targeted Network Assurance questions ensures you can handle any format or difficulty that appears.
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Difficulty is subjective, but Network Assurance is a high-priority exam concept tested in multiple ways — direct recall, scenario analysis, and command-output interpretation. Consistent practice is the best way to build confidence.
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