- A
Use a hub-and-spoke design with static routes on the branch router and a single WAN link.
Correct because hub-and-spoke with static routes is simple and requires minimal configuration; a second link with floating static routes can be added for redundancy.
- B
Use a full mesh design with OSPF on all routers.
Why wrong: Incorrect because a full mesh with OSPF is complex and unnecessary for a small branch; it increases configuration overhead.
- C
Use a point-to-point design with BGP on the branch router.
Why wrong: Incorrect because BGP is more complex than needed for a simple branch; static routes are simpler.
- D
Use a spine-leaf design with multiple WAN links.
Why wrong: Incorrect because spine-leaf is a data center architecture, not suitable for a small branch WAN design.
Quick Answer
The answer is a hub-and-spoke WAN design with static routes for the branch router. This is correct because it minimizes routing protocol configuration at the branch while still providing redundancy through floating static routes, which can activate a backup WAN link if the primary fails. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this question tests your understanding of how to balance simplicity and reliability in small branch deployments—a common scenario where running OSPF or BGP adds unnecessary complexity for only 50 users. The trap is assuming redundancy always requires a dynamic protocol; instead, a single WAN link with a floating static route to a secondary path achieves the same goal with far less overhead. Memory tip: think “static for simple, floating for failover”—the branch stays lean, and the hub handles the routing complexity.
CCNP Enterprise Network Design Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of enterprise network design. 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 company is deploying a new branch office with 50 users. The branch needs to connect to the headquarters via a WAN link. The engineer wants to use a design that minimizes the need for routing protocol configuration at the branch while still providing redundancy. Which design is most appropriate?
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
Use a hub-and-spoke design with static routes on the branch router and a single WAN link.
Option A is correct because a hub-and-spoke design with static routes on the branch router minimizes routing protocol configuration (no dynamic routing protocol needed) while still providing redundancy if the single WAN link is backed by a secondary path (e.g., a backup link or dual-homed connection) that can be handled via floating static routes. This approach keeps the branch router simple and avoids the complexity of running OSPF or BGP, which is unnecessary for a small branch with 50 users.
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.
- ✓
Use a hub-and-spoke design with static routes on the branch router and a single WAN link.
Why this is correct
Correct because hub-and-spoke with static routes is simple and requires minimal configuration; a second link with floating static routes can be added for redundancy.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use a full mesh design with OSPF on all routers.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because a full mesh with OSPF is complex and unnecessary for a small branch; it increases configuration overhead.
- ✗
Use a point-to-point design with BGP on the branch router.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because BGP is more complex than needed for a simple branch; static routes are simpler.
- ✗
Use a spine-leaf design with multiple WAN links.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because spine-leaf is a data center architecture, not suitable for a small branch WAN design.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that redundancy always requires a dynamic routing protocol, but static routes with floating static routes can provide simple, effective redundancy without the configuration overhead of OSPF or BGP.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Static routes with a floating static route (using a higher administrative distance, e.g., 150) can provide redundancy by automatically failing over to a backup link if the primary link goes down, without running a dynamic routing protocol. In a hub-and-spoke topology, the branch router only needs a default route pointing to the hub, while the hub router can use a single static route or a summary route to reach the branch, keeping the configuration minimal and predictable.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 network engineer at a university connects two campus buildings via a fibre link. Both routers run OSPF, but no adjacency forms — even though both routers can ping each other. The engineer finds one router is in area 0 and the other in area 1. OSPF adjacency requires matching area numbers, hello/dead timers, and network type. IP reachability alone is not enough.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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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: Use a hub-and-spoke design with static routes on the branch router and a single WAN link. — Option A is correct because a hub-and-spoke design with static routes on the branch router minimizes routing protocol configuration (no dynamic routing protocol needed) while still providing redundancy if the single WAN link is backed by a secondary path (e.g., a backup link or dual-homed connection) that can be handled via floating static routes. This approach keeps the branch router simple and avoids the complexity of running OSPF or BGP, which is unnecessary for a small branch with 50 users.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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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