The answer is that the AP can locally switch client traffic and maintain connectivity even if the WLC is unreachable. This is correct because the output from the show ap config general command confirms the AP is operating in FlexConnect mode, as indicated by both the AP Submode and AP Mode fields. In FlexConnect mode, the AP can locally switch data traffic between clients at the remote site and, crucially, can continue forwarding traffic locally even if its connection to the WLC is lost, as long as the AP has cached the necessary configuration. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this command tests your ability to interpret WLC output and distinguish FlexConnect from local or monitor modes; a common trap is assuming the AP must always tunnel traffic back to the controller. Remember the key distinction: FlexConnect means local switching and survivability, while local mode means all traffic must go through the WLC. A useful memory tip is to think of FlexConnect as “flexible connectivity” for remote sites—it keeps working even when the WAN link to the controller goes down.
CCNP Wireless Infrastructure Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of wireless infrastructure. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 engineer runs the following command on a Cisco WLC:
WLC# show ap config general AP-2
AP Name: AP-2
MAC Address: aabb.cc00.0200
Country Code: US - United States
Regulatory Domain: 802.11bg: -A 802.11a: -A
AP Submode: FlexConnect
AP Mode: FlexConnect
AP Join Priority: 2
Primary Controller: WLC-1
Secondary Controller: WLC-2
Tertiary Controller: WLC-3
Based on this output, what can be concluded?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The AP can locally switch client traffic and maintain connectivity even if the WLC is unreachable.
The output shows the AP is in FlexConnect mode, which means it can locally switch traffic and maintain connectivity to the WLC over a WAN. The AP has a primary, secondary, and tertiary controller configured.
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 AP is operating in Local mode and will tunnel all traffic to the WLC.
Why it's wrong here
The mode is FlexConnect, not Local.
✓
The AP can locally switch client traffic and maintain connectivity even if the WLC is unreachable.
Why this is correct
FlexConnect APs can locally switch traffic and operate independently if the WLC is unreachable.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The AP will only work if the WLC is directly connected at Layer 2.
Why it's wrong here
FlexConnect is designed for remote sites over WAN.
✗
The AP is in Monitor mode and will not serve clients.
Why it's wrong here
FlexConnect mode serves clients.
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.
Wireless Infrastructure — This question tests Wireless Infrastructure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The AP can locally switch client traffic and maintain connectivity even if the WLC is unreachable. — The output shows the AP is in FlexConnect mode, which means it can locally switch traffic and maintain connectivity to the WLC over a WAN. The AP has a primary, secondary, and tertiary controller configured.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
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 →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.