CCNP Architecture Practice Question
A network administrator is configuring a Cisco Catalyst 9000 switch to support a new wireless deployment. The wireless LAN controller is integrated into the switch, and the administrator needs to ensure that the switch can manage access points and provide centralized control. Which feature should be enabled on the switch?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often confuse Cisco DNA Center or SD-Access with the embedded wireless controller feature on Catalyst 9000 switches.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller
The Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller is a feature available on Catalyst 9000 switches that integrates wireless controller capabilities directly into the switch. This allows the switch to manage access points and provide centralized control without an external WLC. The other options are either separate products or features not integrated into the switch. Therefore, enabling the Embedded Wireless Controller is the correct choice.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Cisco Mobility Express
Why it's wrong here
Cisco Mobility Express is a wireless solution for small to medium-sized networks that uses an access point as the controller. It is not a feature of Catalyst 9000 switches; it is typically deployed on Aironet access points. While it provides centralized control, it is not integrated into the switch platform. Therefore, it does not satisfy the requirement of using the switch's integrated controller.
- ✓
Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller
Why this is correct
The Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller is a feature on Catalyst 9000 switches that provides integrated wireless controller functionality. It allows the switch to manage access points directly without needing an external WLC. This meets the requirement for centralized control and AP management. Enabling this feature allows the switch to act as a wireless controller, simplifying the deployment and reducing hardware footprint.
- ✗
Cisco DNA Center
Why it's wrong here
Cisco DNA Center is a network management and automation platform, not a wireless controller. It can manage wireless networks but does not provide the embedded controller functionality on the switch. It is an external appliance or virtual machine. Enabling DNA Center on the switch is not possible; it is a separate product. Thus, it does not meet the requirement for integrated wireless control.
- ✗
Cisco SD-Access
Why it's wrong here
Cisco SD-Access is a fabric solution that provides policy-based automation and segmentation, including wireless integration. However, it is not a feature that is simply enabled on a switch to provide embedded wireless control. SD-Access requires a fabric underlay and controllers like DNA Center. While it can integrate wireless, it does not provide the embedded controller functionality on the switch itself.
About these practice questions
One of 1,923 original 350-401 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
This 350-401 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 350-401 exam.