The answer is that authentication failure traps are disabled by default and must be explicitly enabled. In SNMPv2c, the `snmp-server enable traps snmp linkdown linkup` command only activates link-state traps, not authentication failure traps. The engineer must add the specific command `snmp-server enable traps snmp authentication` to generate traps when an SNMP request arrives with an invalid community string. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that SNMPv2c trap categories are individually enabled—a common oversight that leads to missing authentication alerts. A helpful memory tip: think of "A" for authentication—you must explicitly "add" the authentication trap command, as it is not automatically included with other trap types.
CCNP SNMP and Syslog Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of snmp and syslog. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 configures SNMPv2c on a Cisco switch to send traps to an NMS at 192.168.1.100 with community 'monitor'. The engineer also configures 'snmp-server enable traps snmp linkdown linkup'. The NMS receives link traps but not authentication failure traps. The engineer has not configured any access control. What is the most likely reason?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Authentication failure traps are disabled by default and must be explicitly enabled.
Authentication failure traps are generated when an SNMP request is received with an invalid community string. However, by default, these traps are not enabled. The engineer must explicitly enable them with 'snmp-server enable traps snmp authentication'. The scenario shows only link traps enabled.
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.
✓
Authentication failure traps are disabled by default and must be explicitly enabled.
Why this is correct
Correct because 'snmp-server enable traps snmp authentication' is needed to send authentication failure traps.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The NMS is not configured to receive authentication failure traps.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the NMS receives other traps; the issue is on the switch.
✗
The community string 'monitor' has read-write access, which suppresses authentication traps.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because community string access level does not affect trap generation.
✗
The switch must be configured with 'snmp-server trap-source' to send authentication traps.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because trap-source is for source interface, not for enabling specific traps.
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.
SNMP and Syslog — This question tests SNMP and Syslog — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Authentication failure traps are disabled by default and must be explicitly enabled. — Authentication failure traps are generated when an SNMP request is received with an invalid community string. However, by default, these traps are not enabled. The engineer must explicitly enable them with 'snmp-server enable traps snmp authentication'. The scenario shows only link traps enabled.
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: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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