20+ practice questions focused on 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 Architecture PracticeA network engineer is designing a campus network with high availability for critical services. Which Cisco technology enables traffic to be forwarded to an alternate next hop in the event of a first-hop router failure, without requiring any configuration changes on the hosts?
Explanation: HSRP (Hot Standby Router Protocol) is a Cisco-proprietary FHRP that allows multiple routers to share a virtual IP and MAC address, providing transparent failover. Hosts are configured with the virtual IP as their default gateway, so when the active router fails, the standby router takes over without any host configuration changes. This directly meets the requirement for high availability without host reconfiguration.
Which TWO characteristics are true about Cisco StackWise virtual technology? (Choose two.)
Explanation: Option A is correct because Cisco StackWise Virtual (VSS) combines two physical switches into one logical entity that presents a single control plane and forwarding plane to the network. Option C is correct because, as a single logical switch, the StackWise Virtual domain is managed through one management IP address rather than per-chassis addresses. Option B is not required, since StackWise Virtual supports mixing certain Catalyst 9000 series models (e.g., C9500 with C9500) as long as they meet platform and license compatibility, not strictly identical hardware. Option D is incorrect because StackWise Virtual typically uses standard Ethernet ports (10G/40G/100G) with StackWise Virtual Link (SVL) cabling rather than proprietary dedicated stacking cables. Option E is incorrect because StackWise Virtual supports only two member switches, whereas the 9-member limit applies to traditional StackWise (non-virtual) stacking.
Drag and drop the steps for the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) convergence process in the correct order.
Explanation: STP elects a root bridge, then selects root and designated ports, blocking others to prevent loops.
Match each routing protocol to its administrative distance.
Explanation: Administrative distances are used to select the best route when multiple routing protocols provide routes to the same destination.
A campus network designer is evaluating a Cisco SD-Access fabric. The design requires that the fabric be able to route traffic between endpoints in different virtual networks without the traffic leaving the fabric, while maintaining isolation. Which fabric component is responsible for this inter-VN routing?
Explanation: In Cisco SD-Access, inter-VN routing is performed by the fabric border node when it is configured as a fusion router. The border node provides connectivity between the fabric and external networks and can also route between virtual networks, maintaining isolation. Edge nodes connect endpoints, control plane nodes handle LISP mappings, and intermediate nodes forward VXLAN traffic in the underlay.
+15 more Architecture questions available
Practice all Architecture questions1. Baseline your knowledge
Start with 10 questions to gauge your current understanding of 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
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. Architecture is tested as part of the ENCOR 350-401 blueprint. Practicing with targeted Architecture questions ensures you can handle any format or difficulty that appears.
Yes. Courseiva provides free 350-401 practice questions across all exam topics and domains. The platform includes topic-based practice, mock exams, missed-question review, bookmarked questions, and readiness tracking — no account required.
Difficulty is subjective, but 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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