- A
The fabric edge node connects wired endpoints to the SD-Access fabric.
Correct because the fabric edge is the switch or wireless controller that provides network access to endpoints and applies policies.
- B
The fabric border node provides connectivity to networks outside the SD-Access fabric.
Correct because the fabric border is the gateway between the fabric and external networks such as WAN, data center, or the Internet.
- C
The fabric control plane node is responsible for forwarding traffic between fabric edges.
Why wrong: Incorrect because the control plane node maintains the LISP mapping database and handles endpoint registration; traffic forwarding is done by fabric edges and borders.
- D
The fabric wireless LAN controller is a dedicated role for wireless integration.
Why wrong: Incorrect because there is no dedicated fabric WLAN controller role; wireless services are integrated into the fabric edge or border node.
- E
The intermediate node is a core role in SD-Access fabric.
Why wrong: Incorrect because the intermediate node is not a defined role in SD-Access; the fabric roles are edge, border, control plane, and (optionally) extended node.
Quick Answer
The answer is that the fabric border node provides connectivity to networks outside the SD-Access fabric. This is correct because the border node functions as the gateway between the SD-Access fabric and external domains such as a WAN, data center, or the internet, handling Network Address Translation (NAT) and inter-VRF routing. In contrast, the fabric edge node connects wired endpoints like PCs and printers into the fabric, while the control plane node manages the LISP mapping database and device authentication. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this topic tests your understanding of the distinct roles within the SD-Access architecture, often appearing in multiple-choice questions that pair the border with external connectivity and the edge with endpoint access. A common trap is confusing the border with the control plane or assuming a dedicated wireless LAN controller role exists. Remember the mnemonic: "Edge for endpoints, Border for beyond."
CCNP SD-Access Architecture Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of sd-access architecture. 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 SD-Access fabric roles 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
The fabric edge node connects wired endpoints to the SD-Access fabric.
In Cisco SD-Access, the fabric edge is the device that connects wired endpoints to the fabric, and the fabric border is responsible for connecting the fabric to external networks (e.g., WAN, data center). The fabric control plane node manages the LISP mapping database and authentication, not the fabric border. The fabric wireless LAN controller does not exist as a separate role; wireless services are integrated into the fabric edge or border. The intermediate node is not a defined role in SD-Access.
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.
- ✓
The fabric edge node connects wired endpoints to the SD-Access fabric.
Why this is correct
Correct because the fabric edge is the switch or wireless controller that provides network access to endpoints and applies policies.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
The fabric border node provides connectivity to networks outside the SD-Access fabric.
Why this is correct
Correct because the fabric border is the gateway between the fabric and external networks such as WAN, data center, or the Internet.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The fabric control plane node is responsible for forwarding traffic between fabric edges.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the control plane node maintains the LISP mapping database and handles endpoint registration; traffic forwarding is done by fabric edges and borders.
- ✗
The fabric wireless LAN controller is a dedicated role for wireless integration.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because there is no dedicated fabric WLAN controller role; wireless services are integrated into the fabric edge or border node.
- ✗
The intermediate node is a core role in SD-Access fabric.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the intermediate node is not a defined role in SD-Access; the fabric roles are edge, border, control plane, and (optionally) extended node.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
SD-Access Architecture — This question tests SD-Access Architecture — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The fabric edge node connects wired endpoints to the SD-Access fabric. — In Cisco SD-Access, the fabric edge is the device that connects wired endpoints to the fabric, and the fabric border is responsible for connecting the fabric to external networks (e.g., WAN, data center). The fabric control plane node manages the LISP mapping database and authentication, not the fabric border. The fabric wireless LAN controller does not exist as a separate role; wireless services are integrated into the fabric edge or border. The intermediate node is not a defined role in SD-Access.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
1 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 two statements about the Cisco SD-Access fabric roles are true? (Choose two.)
medium- ✓ A.The fabric edge node is responsible for connecting end devices and enforcing SGT-based policies.
- ✓ B.The fabric border node is responsible for connecting the SD-Access fabric to external Layer 3 networks.
- C.The control plane node is responsible for encapsulating and forwarding user traffic across the fabric.
- D.The intermediate node is responsible for policy enforcement and traffic segmentation within the fabric.
- E.The wireless controller in SD-Access acts as a dedicated fabric border node for wireless traffic.
Why A: In SD-Access, the fabric edge node is the switch that connects to end devices and enforces policy, while the fabric border node connects the fabric to external networks (e.g., WAN, data center). The control plane node hosts the LISP map server/map resolver, not the edge. The intermediate node is a simple transit switch that does not perform encapsulation or policy enforcement. The wireless controller in SD-Access is integrated as a fabric WLC, not a separate fabric role.
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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