- A
FlexConnect APs can locally switch client data traffic when the CAPWAP tunnel to the WLC is down.
Correct because FlexConnect supports local switching even if the WLC is unreachable, using the local VLAN configuration.
- B
FlexConnect APs must always tunnel all client traffic back to the WLC for central switching.
Why wrong: Incorrect because FlexConnect can operate in local switching mode, not always central switching.
- C
FlexConnect APs can be assigned to a FlexConnect group to share the same VLAN and ACL configuration.
Correct because FlexConnect groups allow multiple APs to inherit the same local policies, such as VLANs and ACLs.
- D
FlexConnect APs require a direct Layer 2 connection to the WLC at all times.
Why wrong: Incorrect because FlexConnect APs can operate independently via the local network when the WLC is not reachable.
- E
FlexConnect APs cannot support native VLAN tagging on the uplink interface.
Why wrong: Incorrect because FlexConnect APs do support 802.1Q trunking and native VLAN configuration on the uplink.
Quick Answer
The answer is that FlexConnect APs can be assigned to a FlexConnect group to share the same VLAN and ACL configuration. This is correct because FlexConnect groups allow a set of access points to inherit a common policy map, including VLANs and ACLs, which simplifies management across remote sites. In the FlexConnect architecture, local switching enables data traffic to be bridged directly at the AP when the WLC is reachable, while backup connectivity maintains operations if the CAPWAP tunnel goes down—central switching, by contrast, forces all traffic through the controller. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this topic tests your understanding of how FlexConnect modes differ from traditional centralized deployments, with a common trap being the misconception that FlexConnect groups assign APs to different VLANs rather than sharing a unified policy. Remember the memory tip: “Groups share, not split”—FlexConnect groups unify VLAN and ACL settings across APs, not divide them.
CCNP Wireless Infrastructure Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of wireless infrastructure. 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.
Which two statements about the Cisco FlexConnect architecture are true? (Choose two.)
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
FlexConnect APs can locally switch client data traffic when the CAPWAP tunnel to the WLC is down.
FlexConnect allows local switching and backup connectivity when the WLC is unreachable. Central switching requires the CAPWAP tunnel to the WLC. FlexConnect groups are used to apply common policies, not to assign APs to different VLANs. Native VLAN tagging is supported on the uplink port.
Key principle: A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
FlexConnect APs can locally switch client data traffic when the CAPWAP tunnel to the WLC is down.
- ✗
FlexConnect APs must always tunnel all client traffic back to the WLC for central switching.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because FlexConnect can operate in local switching mode, not always central switching.
- ✓
FlexConnect APs can be assigned to a FlexConnect group to share the same VLAN and ACL configuration.
Why this is correct
Correct because FlexConnect groups allow multiple APs to inherit the same local policies, such as VLANs and ACLs.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- ✗
FlexConnect APs require a direct Layer 2 connection to the WLC at all times.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because FlexConnect APs can operate independently via the local network when the WLC is not reachable.
- ✗
FlexConnect APs cannot support native VLAN tagging on the uplink interface.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because FlexConnect APs do support 802.1Q trunking and native VLAN configuration on the uplink.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: an active trunk can still block the VLAN you need
A trunk being up does not prove every VLAN is crossing it. Check allowed VLAN lists, native VLAN mismatch, VLAN existence and access-port assignment.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VLAN questions usually combine access-port and trunking clues. The key is to identify whether the issue is local to one switchport, caused by the trunk, or caused by the VLAN not existing where it needs to exist.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
- Trunk ports carry multiple VLANs between switches.
- Allowed VLAN lists decide which VLANs can cross a trunk.
- Native VLAN mismatch can create confusing symptoms.
TExam Day Tips
- Use show vlan brief to verify access VLANs.
- Use show interfaces trunk to verify trunk state and allowed VLANs.
- Do not treat every same-VLAN issue as a routing problem.
Key takeaway
A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 350-401 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
- →
Wireless Infrastructure — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Wireless Infrastructure 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?
Wireless Infrastructure — This question tests Wireless Infrastructure — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: FlexConnect APs can locally switch client data traffic when the CAPWAP tunnel to the WLC is down. — FlexConnect allows local switching and backup connectivity when the WLC is unreachable. Central switching requires the CAPWAP tunnel to the WLC. FlexConnect groups are used to apply common policies, not to assign APs to different VLANs. Native VLAN tagging is supported on the uplink port.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 350-401 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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
2 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. Which of the following is a valid AP mode on Cisco 9800 WLCs that allows the AP to function as a standalone access point without controller management?
easy- A.Local mode
- ✓ B.FlexConnect mode
- C.Monitor mode
- D.Sniffer mode
Why B: Cisco APs can operate in various modes; 'FlexConnect' allows local switching and can operate independently if the WLC is unreachable.
Variation 2. Which two statements about Cisco FlexConnect are true? (Choose two.)
medium- ✓ A.FlexConnect APs can locally switch client data traffic at the remote site without tunneling it to the WLC.
- B.FlexConnect APs always maintain a control and data tunnel to the WLC, even in standalone mode.
- C.FlexConnect supports all encryption methods including CCKM and 802.11r in local switching mode.
- D.FlexConnect APs can perform rogue detection and containment even when disconnected from the WLC.
- ✓ E.FlexConnect APs can authenticate clients locally using a local RADIUS server or a local user database when the WLC is unreachable.
Why A: FlexConnect allows APs to locally switch client traffic and to function independently when the WLC is unreachable, but it does not support all encryption methods (e.g., CCKM is not supported in FlexConnect local switching mode) and it does not support rogue detection in standalone mode.
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.