- A
Use Cisco TrustSec to assign an SGT to voice traffic based on ISE authentication, then apply a QoS policy on the fabric edge node that matches the SGT and provides priority queuing.
This uses the fabric's native policy capabilities (TrustSec) to classify voice traffic by SGT, enabling consistent QoS without complex ACLs.
- B
Configure QoS policies on the wireless LAN controller (WLC) only, marking voice traffic with DSCP EF, and rely on the fabric to preserve the marking.
Why wrong: While marking is important, the fabric edge must still apply queuing; this approach does not leverage fabric-specific features like SGT.
- C
Implement a centralized QoS policy on the fabric border node that matches the source IP addresses of voice devices.
Why wrong: Border nodes handle traffic leaving the fabric; classification should occur at the edge where traffic enters.
- D
Use VXLAN network identifiers (VNIs) to classify voice traffic and apply QoS on the control plane node.
Why wrong: VNIs segregate traffic but are not used for QoS classification; control plane nodes do not forward data traffic.
Quick Answer
The correct approach is to use Cisco TrustSec to assign an SGT to voice traffic based on ISE authentication, then apply a QoS policy on the fabric edge node that matches the SGT and provides priority queuing. This works because SD-Access natively propagates Security Group Tags from ISE to fabric edge nodes, allowing the edge to classify and prioritize traffic by SGT rather than by complex ACLs or markings. The fabric edge node can then place voice traffic into a priority queue simply by matching the SGT assigned during ISE profiling and authentication, which simplifies deployment by leveraging the fabric’s built-in policy enforcement. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this tests your understanding of how SD-Access integrates TrustSec for both security and QoS, often appearing in design scenarios where you must choose between SGT-based policies and traditional marking methods. A common trap is to default to CoS or DSCP marking at the access layer, but the fabric’s strength lies in SGT propagation from ISE. Memory tip: Think “SGT = Single Group Tag” for both security and QoS—one tag, two jobs.
CCNP QoS Architecture Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of qos architecture. 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.
An architect is designing a QoS policy for a Cisco SD-Access fabric. The policy must prioritize voice traffic from wireless clients connected to fabric-enabled access points over other traffic types. The design should use the fabric's built-in capabilities to simplify deployment. Which approach should the architect take?
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 Cisco TrustSec to assign an SGT to voice traffic based on ISE authentication, then apply a QoS policy on the fabric edge node that matches the SGT and provides priority queuing.
Option A is correct because Cisco SD-Access uses TrustSec to propagate Security Group Tags (SGTs) from ISE to the fabric edge nodes. By matching the SGT assigned to voice traffic (e.g., via ISE profiling and authentication), the fabric edge node can apply a QoS policy that places that traffic into a priority queue. This leverages the fabric's built-in SGT-based policy enforcement, simplifying deployment without requiring per-device ACLs or complex marking configurations.
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 Cisco TrustSec to assign an SGT to voice traffic based on ISE authentication, then apply a QoS policy on the fabric edge node that matches the SGT and provides priority queuing.
Why this is correct
This uses the fabric's native policy capabilities (TrustSec) to classify voice traffic by SGT, enabling consistent QoS without complex ACLs.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Configure QoS policies on the wireless LAN controller (WLC) only, marking voice traffic with DSCP EF, and rely on the fabric to preserve the marking.
Why it's wrong here
While marking is important, the fabric edge must still apply queuing; this approach does not leverage fabric-specific features like SGT.
- ✗
Implement a centralized QoS policy on the fabric border node that matches the source IP addresses of voice devices.
Why it's wrong here
Border nodes handle traffic leaving the fabric; classification should occur at the edge where traffic enters.
- ✗
Use VXLAN network identifiers (VNIs) to classify voice traffic and apply QoS on the control plane node.
Why it's wrong here
VNIs segregate traffic but are not used for QoS classification; control plane nodes do not forward data traffic.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that QoS marking alone (e.g., DSCP EF) is sufficient in SD-Access, when in fact the fabric requires explicit policy enforcement at the edge node, and SGT-based classification is the recommended method for scalable, identity-aware QoS.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Cisco SD-Access, the fabric edge node performs SGT-based classification using Cisco TrustSec, where the SGT is derived from ISE authentication and propagated via SXP or inline tagging in VXLAN-GPO headers. The QoS policy on the fabric edge can use a class-map matching the SGT (e.g., 'match security-group tag 5') and apply a service-policy with priority queuing (LLQ) for voice traffic. This approach avoids the need to trust DSCP markings from untrusted wireless clients, which could be spoofed, and aligns with RFC 4594 recommendations for EF (DSCP 46) voice traffic.
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 security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
QoS Architecture — This question tests QoS Architecture — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use Cisco TrustSec to assign an SGT to voice traffic based on ISE authentication, then apply a QoS policy on the fabric edge node that matches the SGT and provides priority queuing. — Option A is correct because Cisco SD-Access uses TrustSec to propagate Security Group Tags (SGTs) from ISE to the fabric edge nodes. By matching the SGT assigned to voice traffic (e.g., via ISE profiling and authentication), the fabric edge node can apply a QoS policy that places that traffic into a priority queue. This leverages the fabric's built-in SGT-based policy enforcement, simplifying deployment without requiring per-device ACLs or complex marking configurations.
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
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