Quick Answer
The correct choice is WPA2-PSK with AES, as it directly meets the requirement for AES encryption combined with a pre-shared key. WPA2-PSK mandates AES-CCMP (Counter Mode Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code Protocol), which provides robust, standards-compliant encryption for all client traffic, while the PSK handles authentication without a RADIUS server. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this configuration tests your understanding of wireless security profiles and the distinction between encryption protocols (TKIP vs. AES) and authentication methods (PSK vs. 802.1X). A common trap is confusing WPA2-PSK with TKIP, which uses RC4 and is not AES; always remember that WPA2-PSK with AES is the only option that satisfies both AES encryption and PSK authentication. Memory tip: “WPA2-PSK + AES = CCMP, the gold standard for PSK-based WLANs.”
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of infrastructure. 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. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. 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.
A network engineer is deploying a new WLAN and needs to ensure that client traffic is encrypted using AES with a pre-shared key. Which security configuration should be applied to the wireless SSID?
WPA2-PSK with AES
WPA2-PSK with AES meets the requirements.
WPA3-PSK with AES
Why wrong: WPA3 uses SAE, not PSK.
WPA2-PSK with TKIP
Why wrong: TKIP does not use AES.
WEP with AES
Why wrong: WEP does not support AES.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
WPA2-PSK with AES
WPA2-PSK with AES is the correct choice because the requirement specifies AES encryption with a pre-shared key. WPA2-PSK (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 – Pre-Shared Key) mandates AES-CCMP (Counter Mode Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code Protocol) as the encryption protocol, providing strong, standards-compliant security for client traffic. This configuration directly satisfies the need for both AES encryption and PSK authentication.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
WPA2-PSK with AES
Why this is correct
WPA2-PSK with AES meets the requirements.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
WPA3-PSK with AES
Why it's wrong here
WPA3 uses SAE, not PSK.
WPA2-PSK with TKIP
Why it's wrong here
TKIP does not use AES.
WEP with AES
Why it's wrong here
WEP does not support AES.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between encryption protocols (AES vs. TKIP) and authentication methods (PSK vs. Enterprise), so the trap here is that candidates may confuse WPA3-PSK as the only option for AES, overlooking that WPA2-PSK with AES is a valid and commonly deployed configuration that meets the same requirement.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, WPA2-PSK with AES-CCMP operates by deriving a Pairwise Master Key (PMK) from the pre-shared key during the 4-way handshake, which then generates session keys for AES-CCMP encryption. A subtle behavior is that WPA2-PSK is vulnerable to offline dictionary attacks if weak passphrases are used, whereas WPA3-PSK mitigates this with SAE's forward secrecy. In real-world deployments, many legacy clients (pre-2006) lack AES support, but modern enterprise networks exclusively use AES-CCMP for compliance with standards like IEEE 802.11i and FIPS 140-2.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the 350-401 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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FAQ
Infrastructure — This question tests Infrastructure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: WPA2-PSK with AES — WPA2-PSK with AES is the correct choice because the requirement specifies AES encryption with a pre-shared key. WPA2-PSK (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 – Pre-Shared Key) mandates AES-CCMP (Counter Mode Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code Protocol) as the encryption protocol, providing strong, standards-compliant security for client traffic. This configuration directly satisfies the need for both AES encryption and PSK authentication.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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