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: The correct answer is A because 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 network administrator is troubleshooting high CPU utilization on a Catalyst 9300 switch. The output of 'show processes cpu sorted' shows the 'IP Input' process consuming 45% CPU. Which tool should be used to identify the specific packets causing the issue?
Explanation: The 'IP Input' process handles incoming IP packets that require CPU processing, such as routing protocol updates, management traffic, or packets destined to the switch itself. Enabling IP traffic export (NetFlow) on the switch allows the administrator to analyze traffic flows and identify the specific source/destination IP addresses, ports, and protocols consuming CPU cycles, without overwhelming the CPU further. NetFlow provides granular visibility into the types of packets being processed, making it the correct tool for this scenario.
A network engineer is implementing QoS on a WAN link to prioritize voice traffic. Which queuing mechanism provides the lowest latency for real-time traffic?
Explanation: LLQ is correct because it combines strict priority queuing with CBWFQ, ensuring that voice traffic (marked with EF or CS5) is dequeued before any other traffic class. This strict priority mechanism guarantees the lowest possible latency for real-time traffic, as packets in the priority queue are always transmitted first, regardless of congestion on the WAN link.
A network administrator is troubleshooting a BGP routing issue where routes from an eBGP neighbor are not being installed in the routing table. The 'show ip bgp' output shows the routes are received but not valid. What is the most likely cause?
Explanation: For a BGP route to be considered valid and installed in the routing table, the next-hop IP address must be reachable via an IGP or a static route. If the next hop is not reachable, the route will appear in the 'show ip bgp' output but will be marked as not valid (often with a 'r' for received but not valid). This is the most common cause when routes are received from an eBGP neighbor but not installed.
A network engineer is designing a multicast network for IPTV. Which protocol is used by routers to discover which multicast groups are of interest to directly connected hosts?
Explanation: IGMP is the protocol used between hosts and their directly connected routers to signal membership in multicast groups. When a host wants to receive traffic for a specific IPTV multicast stream, it sends an IGMP membership report, and the router uses this information to build its multicast forwarding state for that subnet. Without IGMP, the router would have no way of knowing which groups are of interest to local hosts.
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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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