Quick Answer
The answer is 86400 seconds, which is the default IKEv1 ISAKMP lifetime on Cisco IOS routers. This value, equivalent to 24 hours or one day, governs how long the Internet Key Exchange (IKE) Phase 1 security association remains valid before requiring renegotiation. The default lifetime ensures a balance between security and performance; a shorter lifetime increases overhead by forcing more frequent re-authentication, while a longer lifetime risks prolonged exposure of the SA. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this fact often appears in questions about IPsec VPN configuration, where you must recall that the default is 86400 seconds, not the 3600 seconds commonly used for IPsec Phase 2. A common trap is confusing IKEv1’s default with IKEv2’s, which also defaults to 86400 but uses different negotiation mechanics. To remember, think of the number 86400 as the seconds in a day—just like there are 86,400 seconds in a 24-hour cycle, the IKEv1 lifetime matches that full day.
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of vpn technologies. 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.
What is the default IKEv1 (ISAKMP) lifetime in seconds on Cisco IOS routers?
3600 seconds
Why wrong: 3600 seconds (1 hour) is not the default; it is a common custom value.
86400 seconds
The default ISAKMP lifetime is 86400 seconds (24 hours).
28800 seconds
Why wrong: 28800 seconds (8 hours) is not the default; it might be used for IPsec SA lifetimes.
7200 seconds
Why wrong: 7200 seconds (2 hours) is not the default for IKEv1.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
86400 seconds
The default IKEv1 lifetime is 86400 seconds (1 day). This can be changed with the 'lifetime' command under the ISAKMP policy.
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.
3600 seconds
Why it's wrong here
3600 seconds (1 hour) is not the default; it is a common custom value.
86400 seconds
Why this is correct
The default ISAKMP lifetime is 86400 seconds (24 hours).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
28800 seconds
Why it's wrong here
28800 seconds (8 hours) is not the default; it might be used for IPsec SA lifetimes.
7200 seconds
Why it's wrong here
7200 seconds (2 hours) is not the default for IKEv1.
Common exam traps
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
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.
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
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.
VPN Technologies — study guide chapter
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FAQ
VPN Technologies — This question tests VPN Technologies — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 86400 seconds — The default IKEv1 lifetime is 86400 seconds (1 day). This can be changed with the 'lifetime' command under the ISAKMP policy.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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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