20+ practice questions focused on SD-WAN Architecture — 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 SD-WAN Architecture PracticeA network engineer is deploying a Cisco SD-WAN solution for a global enterprise with multiple regional hubs. The engineer wants to ensure that traffic from branch offices to the internet is always forwarded directly from the branch, even if the branch has a primary MPLS link and a backup broadband link. The engineer configures the vSmart policy to direct internet-bound traffic to use the local exit at the branch. However, after deployment, the engineer notices that some internet traffic is still being sent to the regional hub before reaching the internet. What is the most likely cause of this behavior?
Explanation: Option A is correct because in Cisco SD-WAN, data policies that control traffic forwarding (such as forcing local internet exit) must be applied to the service VPN (e.g., VPN 10) where the branch’s LAN and internet-bound traffic resides. Configuring the policy under VPN 0 (the transport VPN) only affects overlay tunnel traffic and control-plane packets, not user traffic. Since the engineer applied the policy to VPN 0, the policy did not match internet-bound traffic in the service VPN, causing it to follow the default route toward the regional hub.
An enterprise is migrating from a traditional MPLS WAN to Cisco SD-WAN. The network team has deployed vEdge routers at all branch offices and a vSmart controller in the data center. The engineer configures a centralized control policy to influence path selection based on cost and latency. After the policy is activated, the engineer notices that some branches are not receiving the updated policy and are still using the default best-path selection. The vSmart is reachable from all branches, and the vEdge routers show that they are connected to the vSmart. What is the most likely reason for this issue?
Explanation: In Cisco SD-WAN, centralized control policies must be explicitly attached to a site list or VPN list to define which devices or traffic the policy applies to. If the policy is not attached to the appropriate list, the vSmart controller will not push the policy to the targeted vEdge routers, causing them to continue using the default OMP best-path selection (based on administrative distance and cost). The fact that the vEdge routers are connected to the vSmart confirms the issue is with policy application, not reachability.
A network engineer is configuring a Cisco SD-WAN fabric with vManage, vSmart, and vBond controllers. The engineer wants to ensure that all branch routers automatically discover the vSmart and vBond controllers without manual configuration on each branch. The engineer has configured the vBond with a public IP address and enabled NAT traversal. However, branch routers are failing to establish control connections. The engineer verifies that the branch routers have the correct organization name and that the vBond is reachable from the branches. What is the most likely missing configuration?
Explanation: In Cisco SD-WAN, branch routers use a two-phase discovery process: they first connect to the vBond controller to authenticate and receive the list of vSmart and vManage controllers. Since the engineer has already configured the vBond with a public IP and enabled NAT traversal, and the branch routers have the correct organization name and can reach the vBond, the missing piece is that the vBond IP address must be explicitly configured on each branch router (via the 'system vbond' CLI command or the equivalent in the device template). Without this, the branch routers have no initial target to contact for the bootstrap discovery process, so they cannot automatically learn the vSmart and vManage addresses.
A large enterprise uses Cisco SD-WAN with multiple transport clouds (MPLS and Internet). The network team wants to ensure that voice traffic between two branch offices always uses the MPLS link, even if the Internet link has lower latency. The engineer creates a centralized data policy on the vSmart to match voice traffic based on DSCP EF and sets the preferred color to 'mpls'. After applying the policy, the engineer tests and finds that voice traffic is still using the Internet link. The vEdge routers show that the policy is received and active. What is the most likely reason for this failure?
Explanation: Option D is correct because a centralized data policy on the vSmart must include match conditions for both the traffic (e.g., DSCP EF) and the scope of the policy (e.g., VPN list or site list). Without a site list or VPN list match, the policy may not apply to the specific branch-to-branch traffic, causing the vEdge to fall back to the default routing behavior (e.g., using the Internet link if it has lower latency). The vSmart distributes the policy to vEdges, but the vEdge only enforces it for matched traffic within the specified sites or VPNs.
A network engineer is troubleshooting a Cisco SD-WAN deployment where a branch office has two WAN links: a primary MPLS link and a backup LTE link. The engineer wants to configure application-aware routing so that critical applications (e.g., Salesforce) always use the MPLS link as long as its loss is below 2% and latency below 150 ms. The engineer configures an app-route policy on the vSmart with the appropriate SLA requirements. After deployment, the engineer notices that Salesforce traffic is still using the LTE link even when the MPLS link meets the SLA. What is the most likely cause?
Explanation: Option A is correct because the app-route policy must be attached to the correct site list and VPN list to be applied to the traffic. If the policy is not properly associated with the site list containing the branch office or the VPN list that includes Salesforce traffic, the vSmart will not enforce the application-aware routing rules, allowing the LTE link to be used even when the MPLS link meets the SLA.
+15 more SD-WAN Architecture questions available
Practice all SD-WAN Architecture questions1. Baseline your knowledge
Start with 10 questions to gauge your current understanding of SD-WAN Architecture. 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
SD-WAN Architecture 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. SD-WAN Architecture is tested as part of the ENCOR 350-401 blueprint. Practicing with targeted SD-WAN Architecture questions ensures you can handle any format or difficulty that appears.
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Difficulty is subjective, but SD-WAN Architecture 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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