Quick Answer
The answer is the Network Service Header (NSH), which serves as the encapsulation header that carries chain context between Service Function Forwarders (SFFs). This is correct because service chaining components like classifiers and SFFs rely on the NSH to maintain the service path identifier and index, ensuring traffic is steered through the correct sequence of virtual network functions (VNFs) without inspecting the original payload. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this drag-and-drop task tests your understanding of how classifiers identify traffic at the chain entry, while the NSH encapsulation preserves the chain context as packets move between SFFs. A common trap is confusing the NSH with the original packet header—remember, the NSH is an overlay that is inserted and removed, not modified by each VNF. For a quick memory tip: think of the NSH as the “train ticket” that tells each station (SFF) where the packet car should go next.
CCNP Network Function Virtualization Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of network function virtualization. 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 service chaining element on the left to its matching position in the chain 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
Classifier: Entry point that identifies and steers traffic into a service chain
Service chaining steers traffic through a sequence of VNFs; classifiers identify traffic; SFC encapsulation maintains chain context.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
Network Function Virtualization — This question tests Network Function Virtualization — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Classifier: Entry point that identifies and steers traffic into a service chain — Service chaining steers traffic through a sequence of VNFs; classifiers identify traffic; SFC encapsulation maintains chain context.
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.
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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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