This 200-301 practice question tests your understanding of ip routing. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. A key principle to apply: gRE tunnels encapsulate packets to create a logical point-to-point link over an IP network, enabling traffic to traverse intermediate networks transparently.. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
An administrator configures a GRE tunnel interface on a router with the following: interface Tunnel0, tunnel source GigabitEthernet0/0, tunnel destination 192.168.2.2. What is the main purpose of this configured tunnel?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
It creates a logical tunnel across another network.
GRE is a tunneling mechanism used to carry one type of traffic over another network path by encapsulating packets. In practical terms, the configuration creates a logical tunnel between endpoints so traffic can cross an underlying IP network as if a virtual path existed between them. The key point is that GRE is about tunneling, not encryption by itself.
This distinction matters because people often assume tunnels automatically imply encryption. GRE by itself does not provide that.
Key principle: GRE tunnels encapsulate packets to create a logical point-to-point link over an IP network, enabling traffic to traverse intermediate networks transparently.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
It creates a logical tunnel across another network.
Why this is correct
This is correct because the tunnel source and destination define a virtual tunnel path.
Related concept
GRE tunnels encapsulate packets to create a logical point-to-point link over an IP network, enabling traffic to traverse intermediate networks transparently.
✗
It enables PPP authentication on a serial interface.
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because the exhibit is not PPP on a serial link.
When this WOULD be correct
In a different question that asks about the configuration of a serial interface and its authentication methods, option B would be correct if the context involved enabling PPP authentication to secure data transmission over that interface.
✗
It configures WPA3 security for a wireless bridge.
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because the exhibit is a Layer 3 tunnel, not wireless security.
When this WOULD be correct
This option would be correct in a question that asks about the security protocols used in a wireless network setup, specifically focusing on the implementation of WPA3 for securing a wireless bridge connection. For example, a question might ask, 'What security protocol is used to enhance the security of a wireless bridge?'
✗
It enables BGP between autonomous systems automatically.
Why it's wrong here
This is wrong because a tunnel does not itself establish BGP automatically.
When this WOULD be correct
If the exam question specifically asked about the configuration of a network that uses BGP to connect multiple autonomous systems over a tunnel, then this option could be correct. For example, a question might describe a scenario where BGP is being used to facilitate communication between two ISPs over a GRE tunnel.
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The 200-301 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
✓It creates a logical tunnel across another network.Correct answer▾
Why this is correct
This is correct because the tunnel source and destination define a virtual tunnel path.
✗It enables PPP authentication on a serial interface.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
This option is incorrect because the question specifically asks about the purpose of a configured tunnel, which relates to creating a logical connection across networks, not about enabling PPP authentication, which is specific to serial interfaces.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
In a different question that asks about the configuration of a serial interface and its authentication methods, option B would be correct if the context involved enabling PPP authentication to secure data transmission over that interface.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may be tempted by this option due to familiarity with PPP authentication in networking, leading them to mistakenly associate it with tunnel configurations without considering the specific context of the question.
✗It configures WPA3 security for a wireless bridge.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
This option is wrong because the question specifically asks about a tunnel configuration, which is unrelated to WPA3 security settings for wireless networks. WPA3 pertains to securing wireless communications, not tunneling protocols.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
This option would be correct in a question that asks about the security protocols used in a wireless network setup, specifically focusing on the implementation of WPA3 for securing a wireless bridge connection. For example, a question might ask, 'What security protocol is used to enhance the security of a wireless bridge?'
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may find this option tempting because they might confuse the concept of tunneling with securing wireless connections, especially if they have encountered both topics in their studies and are unsure of the specific context of the question.
✗It enables BGP between autonomous systems automatically.Wrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
This option is incorrect because the configured tunnel's primary purpose is to create a logical tunnel across another network, not to enable BGP between autonomous systems. BGP configuration typically does not involve tunneling directly.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the exam question specifically asked about the configuration of a network that uses BGP to connect multiple autonomous systems over a tunnel, then this option could be correct. For example, a question might describe a scenario where BGP is being used to facilitate communication between two ISPs over a GRE tunnel.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates might find this option tempting because BGP is commonly associated with network routing and can be involved in complex network setups, leading them to mistakenly connect it with tunnel configurations.
Analysis generated from the official 200-301blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A frequent exam trap is confusing GRE tunnels with encryption or automatic routing protocol establishment. Candidates often assume that because GRE creates a tunnel, it also encrypts traffic or automatically enables protocols like BGP. However, GRE only encapsulates packets and does not provide confidentiality or integrity. Encryption requires pairing GRE with IPsec. Additionally, routing protocols must be explicitly configured over the tunnel interface; the tunnel itself does not initiate or enable them. Misreading the tunnel configuration as PPP authentication or wireless security is another common pitfall, as GRE operates at Layer 3 and is unrelated to those technologies.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE) is a tunneling protocol that encapsulates packets of one protocol inside packets of another protocol, enabling the creation of a virtual point-to-point link over an IP network. GRE tunnels allow the transport of packets between two endpoints as if they were directly connected, regardless of the underlying network topology. This encapsulation supports routing protocols, multicast traffic, and non-IP protocols, making GRE versatile for various network designs.
In Cisco devices, configuring a GRE tunnel involves specifying a tunnel source and a tunnel destination IP address, which define the logical endpoints of the tunnel. The tunnel interface acts as a virtual interface that routes traffic through the encapsulated path. The main purpose of this configuration is to create a logical tunnel across an existing IP network, effectively extending Layer 3 connectivity over an intermediate network that may not support the tunneled protocols natively.
A common exam trap is assuming that GRE tunnels provide encryption or automatic routing protocol establishment. GRE itself does not encrypt traffic; it only encapsulates it. Encryption requires additional protocols like IPsec. Also, GRE tunnels do not automatically enable routing protocols such as BGP; these must be configured separately. Understanding these distinctions is critical to correctly interpreting tunnel configurations and their purposes in Cisco networking scenarios.
KKey Concepts to Remember
GRE tunnels encapsulate packets to create a logical point-to-point link over an IP network, enabling traffic to traverse intermediate networks transparently.
Cisco GRE tunnel configuration requires defining tunnel source and destination IP addresses to establish the virtual tunnel endpoints.
GRE tunnels support the transport of multicast and non-IP protocols, allowing routing protocols to operate over the tunnel interface.
GRE tunnels do not provide encryption by themselves; additional protocols like IPsec are necessary for securing tunneled traffic.
Routing protocols such as BGP or OSPF must be manually configured over GRE tunnels; the tunnel does not automatically establish these protocols.
The tunnel interface behaves like a virtual Layer 3 interface, forwarding encapsulated traffic as if it were a direct physical link.
GRE tunnels enable network extension and segmentation by logically connecting remote sites over an IP backbone without requiring physical connectivity.
Misinterpreting GRE tunnels as wireless security or PPP authentication mechanisms is a common exam mistake and should be avoided.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
GRE tunnels encapsulate packets to create a logical point-to-point link over an IP network, enabling traffic to traverse intermediate networks transparently.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 200-301 question in full detail.
Review gRE tunnels encapsulate packets to create a logical point-to-point link over an IP network, enabling traffic to traverse intermediate networks transparently., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
IP Routing — This question tests IP Routing — GRE tunnels encapsulate packets to create a logical point-to-point link over an IP network, enabling traffic to traverse intermediate networks transparently..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: It creates a logical tunnel across another network. — GRE is a tunneling mechanism used to carry one type of traffic over another network path by encapsulating packets. In practical terms, the configuration creates a logical tunnel between endpoints so traffic can cross an underlying IP network as if a virtual path existed between them. The key point is that GRE is about tunneling, not encryption by itself.
This distinction matters because people often assume tunnels automatically imply encryption. GRE by itself does not provide that.
What should I do if I get this 200-301 question wrong?
Review gRE tunnels encapsulate packets to create a logical point-to-point link over an IP network, enabling traffic to traverse intermediate networks transparently., then practise related 200-301 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
GRE tunnels encapsulate packets to create a logical point-to-point link over an IP network, enabling traffic to traverse intermediate networks transparently.
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