The correct answer is to deploy Cisco TrustSec with Security Group Tags (SGTs) and integrate with ISE. This solution enables micro-segmentation in SD-Access by assigning SGTs based on user identity and device type, allowing the fabric to enforce granular traffic policies without relying on IP addresses or VLANs. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this topic tests your understanding of how SD-Access overlays use SGTs for scalable, identity-based segmentation, often contrasting it with traditional ACLs or VLAN-based approaches. A common trap is confusing SGTs with VXLAN VNIs—remember that VNIs separate traffic at Layer 2/3, while SGTs enforce policy within a VNI. For a quick memory tip: think of SGTs as “identity stickers” that follow the user, not the IP.
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.
An architect is designing an SD-Access fabric for a large enterprise campus. The design must support segmentation based on user identity and device type, and must integrate with Cisco ISE. Which fabric component and protocol should be used to enforce micro-segmentation?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Deploy Cisco TrustSec with SGTs and integrate with ISE.
Cisco TrustSec with Security Group Tags (SGTs) is the correct choice because it provides identity- and device-type-based micro-segmentation in an SD-Access fabric. SGTs are assigned by Cisco ISE based on user/device attributes, and the fabric enforces policies by tagging packets with SGTs, allowing granular traffic filtering regardless of IP address or VLAN.
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 VXLAN with BGP EVPN for segmentation.
Why it's wrong here
VXLAN/EVPN provides network segmentation but not identity-based micro-segmentation.
✓
Deploy Cisco TrustSec with SGTs and integrate with ISE.
Why this is correct
TrustSec uses SGTs for identity-based micro-segmentation, and ISE provides policy management.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use LISP to map endpoints to virtual networks.
Why it's wrong here
LISP provides location/identity separation but not micro-segmentation.
✗
Implement VLAN-based segmentation with 802.1X.
Why it's wrong here
VLANs provide coarse segmentation, not micro-segmentation based on identity.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between macro-segmentation (VXLAN/VRF) and micro-segmentation (SGT/TrustSec), and the trap here is assuming VXLAN with BGP EVPN alone provides identity-based segmentation, when it only creates separate overlay networks.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Cisco TrustSec uses Security Group Tags (SGTs) carried in the VXLAN header (via the Group Policy ID field, per RFC 8365) to enforce micro-segmentation. In SD-Access, ISE assigns SGTs dynamically based on authentication results, and the fabric edge switches apply policies using SGT-based ACLs (SGACLs), enabling per-user/per-device traffic control without relying on IP addresses or VLANs. A real-world scenario is a hospital where a doctor's tablet and a visitor's phone on the same subnet must have different access rights to patient records.
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 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
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.
Network Function Virtualization — This question tests Network Function Virtualization — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Deploy Cisco TrustSec with SGTs and integrate with ISE. — Cisco TrustSec with Security Group Tags (SGTs) is the correct choice because it provides identity- and device-type-based micro-segmentation in an SD-Access fabric. SGTs are assigned by Cisco ISE based on user/device attributes, and the fabric enforces policies by tagging packets with SGTs, allowing granular traffic filtering regardless of IP address or VLAN.
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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Question Discussion
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