Quick Answer
The answer is anycast layer 2 gateway, which is the correct feature for achieving high availability in an SD-Access fabric. This works because multiple fabric edge nodes are configured to share the same anycast IP and MAC address for a given VLAN, so when one edge node fails, endpoints remain connected to the same gateway address and their traffic is automatically rerouted through the fabric’s underlay without any protocol convergence or manual intervention. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how SD-Access decouples the gateway from a single physical device, and a common trap is confusing it with HSRP or VRRP, which require stateful failover and convergence time. Remember the key distinction: anycast is stateless and relies on the underlay’s routing, not on a standby protocol. A useful memory tip is “anycast = any edge, no handoff”—the endpoint never changes its gateway, so failover is seamless.
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of sd-access architecture. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 an SD-Access fabric for a campus that requires high availability. The design must ensure that if one fabric edge node fails, endpoints can be re-homed to another edge node without manual intervention. Which feature should be implemented?
Anycast Layer 2 gateway
Anycast L2 gateway provides high availability by allowing multiple edge nodes to serve the same gateway.
HSRP
Why wrong: HSRP is a first-hop redundancy protocol but is not used in SD-Access fabric; anycast gateway is preferred.
VRRP
Why wrong: VRRP is similar to HSRP and not used in SD-Access fabric.
GLBP
Why wrong: GLBP is another FHRP not used in SD-Access; anycast gateway is the standard.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Anycast Layer 2 gateway
Anycast Layer 2 gateway is the correct feature because it allows multiple fabric edge nodes to share the same anycast IP and MAC address for a given VLAN. If one edge node fails, endpoints simply continue using the same gateway address, and their traffic is automatically forwarded to a surviving edge node via the fabric's underlay routing, requiring no manual intervention or protocol convergence.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Anycast Layer 2 gateway
Why this is correct
Anycast L2 gateway provides high availability by allowing multiple edge nodes to serve the same gateway.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
HSRP
VRRP
GLBP
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the misconception that traditional FHRPs like HSRP or VRRP are sufficient for high availability in SD-Access, but the trap is that these protocols introduce failover delays and active/standby limitations, whereas SD-Access requires anycast Layer 2 gateway for instantaneous, protocol-free re-homing across multiple active edge nodes.
Trap categories for this question
Similar concept trap
VRRP is similar to HSRP and not used in SD-Access fabric.
Detailed technical explanation
In SD-Access, the anycast Layer 2 gateway is implemented using a shared anycast MAC (e.g., 0000.0c9f.f001) and anycast IP per VLAN across all fabric edge nodes. The fabric uses LISP (Locator/ID Separation Protocol) to map endpoint identifiers (EIDs) to routing locators (RLOCs), so when an endpoint moves or an edge fails, the control plane updates the mapping and traffic is redirected via the underlay (IS-IS or OSPF) without requiring STP or FHRP timers. This design also supports seamless roaming because the endpoint's default gateway remains the same regardless of which edge node it connects to.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
SD-Access Architecture — This question tests SD-Access Architecture — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Anycast Layer 2 gateway — Anycast Layer 2 gateway is the correct feature because it allows multiple fabric edge nodes to share the same anycast IP and MAC address for a given VLAN. If one edge node fails, endpoints simply continue using the same gateway address, and their traffic is automatically forwarded to a surviving edge node via the fabric's underlay routing, requiring no manual intervention or protocol convergence.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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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