CCNP Architecture Practice Question
A network designer is evaluating a virtual switch deployment in a Cisco ACI fabric. The requirement is to extend a bridge domain across multiple leaf switches while allowing the fabric to perform distributed IP routing at the leaf for endpoints in that bridge domain. Which ACI construct should the designer use?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse bridge domain routing attributes with VRF isolation or service-graph features, which do not provide distributed anycast gateway routing at the leaf.
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
✓
A bridge domain with hardware proxy and unicast routing enabled
In Cisco ACI, distributed first-hop routing is achieved by enabling unicast routing on the bridge domain and using the hardware proxy anycast gateway. This programs the same gateway IP and MAC on every leaf, so endpoints are routed at their ingress leaf. The other constructs address isolation, service insertion, or static endpoint attachment, none of which delivers distributed routing.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
A VRF with policy-based redirect to a service graph
Why it's wrong here
Policy-based redirect with a service graph is used to steer traffic through a Layer 4 to Layer 7 service node such as a firewall or load balancer. It does not provide distributed anycast gateway routing for endpoints. While useful for service insertion, it does not make the leaf act as the first-hop router for the bridge domain.
- ✗
A tenant with a single EPG mapped to a static path
Why it's wrong here
Mapping an EPG to a static path binds endpoints to specific ports but does not enable distributed IP routing. The EPG is a policy container, and static path binding only controls where endpoints attach. Without a bridge domain configured for unicast routing with the distributed gateway, leaf switches will not route traffic locally for those endpoints.
- ✗
A private network with an external bridged domain
Why it's wrong here
A private network is used to isolate VRFs and prevent route leaking between tenants; it does not provide distributed IP routing for a bridge domain. An external bridged domain connects the fabric to an outside Layer 2 network. Neither construct causes leaf switches to route endpoints locally, so this combination does not satisfy the scenario.
- ✓
A bridge domain with hardware proxy and unicast routing enabled
Why this is correct
This is correct because enabling unicast routing on a bridge domain, combined with the hardware proxy function, allows the leaf switches to perform distributed gateway routing for endpoints in that bridge domain. The anycast gateway is programmed on every leaf, so traffic is routed at the ingress leaf without tromboning to a central spine, meeting the distributed routing requirement.
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
About these practice questions
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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.