- A
VXLAN is used as the data plane encapsulation in SD-Access to create overlay tunnels.
Correct because VXLAN encapsulates Layer 2 frames in UDP packets, enabling overlay networks across the underlay.
- B
The fabric border node is the access layer switch that connects end devices to the network.
Why wrong: Incorrect because the fabric edge connects endpoints; the border connects the fabric to external networks.
- C
LISP provides the control plane for SD-Access by managing endpoint identifiers and routing locators.
Correct because LISP separates endpoint identity (EID) from location (RLOC), enabling scalable mobility and policy.
- D
The border node provides connectivity between the SD-Access fabric and traditional networks or the WAN.
Correct because the border node acts as the gateway between the fabric and external networks, applying policies.
- E
SD-Access requires a three-tier hierarchical design with core, distribution, and access layers.
Why wrong: Incorrect because SD-Access uses a spine-leaf (two-tier) design for the fabric underlay, not a traditional three-tier model.
Quick Answer
The correct statements are that VXLAN provides the data plane encapsulation, LISP serves as the control plane for endpoint mapping, and the border node connects the SD-Access fabric to external networks. These three components form the core of Cisco SD-Access design principles: VXLAN creates the overlay tunnels for traffic, LISP separates identity from location to manage endpoint mobility, and the border node acts as the gateway between the fabric and traditional or WAN domains. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this question tests your understanding of the fabric architecture’s separation of roles—a common trap is confusing the fabric edge (which connects endpoints) with the border node. Remember that the border is the “door” to the outside world, while the fabric edge is the “door” for users. A useful memory tip is “VXLAN carries, LISP maps, Border bridges.”
CCNP Enterprise Network Design Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of enterprise network design. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
Which three statements about Cisco SD-Access design are true? (Choose three.)
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
VXLAN is used as the data plane encapsulation in SD-Access to create overlay tunnels.
Cisco SD-Access is a policy-based, intent-driven network architecture that uses VXLAN for overlay tunneling and LISP for control plane. It separates the network into fabric and non-fabric domains. The fabric uses a border node to connect to external networks. Option A is correct because VXLAN provides the data plane encapsulation. Option C is correct because LISP is the control plane that maps endpoints to their locations. Option D is correct because the border node connects the fabric to outside networks (e.g., WAN, Internet). Option B is incorrect because the fabric edge is the access layer switch that connects endpoints, not the border. Option E is incorrect because SD-Access typically uses a two-tier spine-leaf design, not a three-tier core-distribution-access.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
VXLAN is used as the data plane encapsulation in SD-Access to create overlay tunnels.
Why this is correct
Correct because VXLAN encapsulates Layer 2 frames in UDP packets, enabling overlay networks across the underlay.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The fabric border node is the access layer switch that connects end devices to the network.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the fabric edge connects endpoints; the border connects the fabric to external networks.
- ✓
LISP provides the control plane for SD-Access by managing endpoint identifiers and routing locators.
Why this is correct
Correct because LISP separates endpoint identity (EID) from location (RLOC), enabling scalable mobility and policy.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
The border node provides connectivity between the SD-Access fabric and traditional networks or the WAN.
Why this is correct
Correct because the border node acts as the gateway between the fabric and external networks, applying policies.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
SD-Access requires a three-tier hierarchical design with core, distribution, and access layers.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because SD-Access uses a spine-leaf (two-tier) design for the fabric underlay, not a traditional three-tier model.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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Enterprise Network Design — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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Enterprise Network Design practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
Enterprise Network Design — This question tests Enterprise Network Design — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: VXLAN is used as the data plane encapsulation in SD-Access to create overlay tunnels. — Cisco SD-Access is a policy-based, intent-driven network architecture that uses VXLAN for overlay tunneling and LISP for control plane. It separates the network into fabric and non-fabric domains. The fabric uses a border node to connect to external networks. Option A is correct because VXLAN provides the data plane encapsulation. Option C is correct because LISP is the control plane that maps endpoints to their locations. Option D is correct because the border node connects the fabric to outside networks (e.g., WAN, Internet). Option B is incorrect because the fabric edge is the access layer switch that connects endpoints, not the border. Option E is incorrect because SD-Access typically uses a two-tier spine-leaf design, not a three-tier core-distribution-access.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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.
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