Question 1mediummatching
Read the full EtherChannel explanation →Question 863 of 2,015
Quick Answer
The answer is src-dst-mac, which uses the source and destination MAC addresses as the hashing input. This is correct because EtherChannel load balancing methods compute a hash over specific fields in a frame or packet to select the physical link for transmission; the src-dst-mac method XORs the source and destination MAC addresses to produce a deterministic hash, ensuring that traffic between the same two devices always takes the same link while distributing different conversations across available links. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this appears as a drag-and-drop task where you must match each method to its input fields, testing your understanding of how Layer 2, Layer 3, and Layer 4 hashing differ. A common trap is confusing src-dst-mac with src-dst-ip or src-dst-port, so remember that MAC-based methods are used for non-IP traffic like FCoE or when switches operate at Layer 2 only. Memory tip: “MAC pairs keep Layer 2 traffic fair” — think of MAC addresses as the foundation for link selection when IP headers aren’t available.
CCNP EtherChannel Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of etherchannel. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Drag and drop each EtherChannel load-balance method on the left to its matching hashing input on the right.
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
✓
src-mac: Source MAC address
Methods use different combinations of source/destination MAC, IP, or port to compute hash for link selection.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-401 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
- →
EtherChannel — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
EtherChannel practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 350-401 questions
2,015 questions across all exam domains
- →
ENCOR 350-401 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
350-401 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 350-401 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Architecture practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Architecture.
Enterprise Network Design practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Enterprise Network Design.
SD-Access Architecture practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to SD-Access Architecture.
SD-WAN Architecture practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to SD-WAN Architecture.
QoS Architecture practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to QoS Architecture.
Virtualization practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Virtualization.
Network Function Virtualization practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Network Function Virtualization.
Virtual Machines and Hypervisors practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Virtual Machines and Hypervisors.
VRF and Path Isolation practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to VRF and Path Isolation.
Infrastructure practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Infrastructure.
OSPF practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to OSPF.
BGP practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to BGP.
Practice this exam
Start a free 350-401 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
EtherChannel — This question tests EtherChannel — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: src-mac: Source MAC address — Methods use different combinations of source/destination MAC, IP, or port to compute hash for link selection.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-401 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on 350-401
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Drag and drop each EtherChannel load-balance method on the left to its matching hashing input on the right.
hard- ✓ P1.src-dst-ip: Source and destination IP addresses
- ✓ P2.src-dst-mac: Source and destination MAC addresses
- ✓ P3.src-dst-port: Source and destination Layer 4 ports
- ✓ P4.src-ip: Source IP address only
- ✓ P5.dst-ip: Destination IP address only
Why P1: src-dst-ip uses source and destination IP, src-dst-mac uses MAC addresses, src-dst-port uses TCP/UDP ports.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.