- A
Configure a localized QoS policy on the WAN edge routers that matches video traffic and applies a priority queue.
Localized policies are applied per device and can prioritize video over bulk traffic on each link.
- B
Use a centralized data policy to steer video traffic to the MPLS link only.
Why wrong: This does not address congestion on the Internet link; video may still be delayed if it uses that link.
- C
Implement a centralized application-aware routing policy to prefer the MPLS link for video.
Why wrong: This influences path selection but does not provide QoS queuing on the Internet link.
- D
Configure a VPN membership policy to isolate video traffic in a separate VPN.
Why wrong: VPN isolation does not provide QoS queuing; traffic still competes within the VPN.
Quick Answer
The answer is to configure a localized QoS policy on the WAN edge routers that matches video traffic and applies a priority queue. This is correct because a localized policy operates directly on the router’s egress interface, allowing it to classify interactive video traffic and place it into a strict priority queue, which guarantees low-latency treatment even when the Internet link is congested by large file transfers. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this question tests your understanding of the difference between localized and centralized SD-WAN QoS policies—centralized policies apply control-plane actions like routing or data-plane forwarding, but they cannot enforce per-interface queuing behavior. A common trap is choosing a centralized policy, which lacks the local queuing authority needed for real-time traffic protection. Memory tip: think “local for low-latency”—localized policies handle the queue, centralized policies handle the route.
CCNP QoS Architecture Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of qos architecture. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 network architect is designing QoS for a Cisco SD-WAN deployment that uses a mix of MPLS and broadband Internet transports. The design must ensure that interactive video traffic is not delayed by large file transfers, even when the Internet link experiences congestion. Which SD-WAN policy type should the architect use to enforce this behavior?
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
Configure a localized QoS policy on the WAN edge routers that matches video traffic and applies a priority queue.
Option A is correct because a localized QoS policy on the WAN edge router can classify interactive video traffic and place it into a priority queue, ensuring low-latency treatment even when the Internet link is congested. This policy operates locally on the router, directly controlling queuing and scheduling behavior on the specific interface, which is essential for protecting real-time traffic from bulk file transfers.
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.
- ✓
Configure a localized QoS policy on the WAN edge routers that matches video traffic and applies a priority queue.
Why this is correct
Localized policies are applied per device and can prioritize video over bulk traffic on each link.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use a centralized data policy to steer video traffic to the MPLS link only.
Why it's wrong here
This does not address congestion on the Internet link; video may still be delayed if it uses that link.
- ✗
Implement a centralized application-aware routing policy to prefer the MPLS link for video.
Why it's wrong here
This influences path selection but does not provide QoS queuing on the Internet link.
- ✗
Configure a VPN membership policy to isolate video traffic in a separate VPN.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between traffic-steering policies (centralized data or app-aware routing) and local queuing mechanisms (QoS policies), leading candidates to mistakenly choose a path-selection solution when the question explicitly asks about preventing delay on a congested link.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Localized QoS policies in Cisco SD-WAN use the `qos-map` and `rewrite-rule` constructs to map traffic to hardware queues, including a strict-priority queue (typically queue 4) for real-time traffic. This ensures that interactive video (e.g., VoIP or video conferencing) is serviced before other traffic classes, preventing delay jitter even under heavy congestion. In contrast, centralized policies operate at the control plane and do not influence the data-plane queuing behavior on the egress interface.
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 practitioner preparing for the 350-401 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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: Configure a localized QoS policy on the WAN edge routers that matches video traffic and applies a priority queue. — Option A is correct because a localized QoS policy on the WAN edge router can classify interactive video traffic and place it into a priority queue, ensuring low-latency treatment even when the Internet link is congested. This policy operates locally on the router, directly controlling queuing and scheduling behavior on the specific interface, which is essential for protecting real-time traffic from bulk file transfers.
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.
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 →
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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