The answer is that the switch is not configured to assign SGTs to users via 802.1X or static mapping. This is the most likely cause because SXP is purely a propagation protocol; it only forwards SGT-to-IP mappings that the speaker already knows. If the switch acting as the SXP speaker has never learned those mappings—either through 802.1X authentication, which dynamically assigns SGTs based on user or device identity, or through manual static configuration—then it has nothing to propagate to the ISE listener. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this question tests your understanding that SXP is a transport mechanism, not a source of SGT assignments. A common trap is assuming that a working SXP peer relationship guarantees mappings are present, but the speaker must first acquire them. Remember the memory tip: SXP is a courier, not a creator—if the speaker’s cupboard is empty, the listener gets nothing.
CCNP 802.1X and TrustSec Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of 802.1x and trustsec. 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.
A network engineer is implementing Cisco TrustSec (CTS) with Security Group Tags (SGTs) using SXP (SGT Exchange Protocol). The engineer configures the switch as an SXP speaker and the Cisco ISE as an SXP listener. The engineer verifies that SXP peers are established. However, when the engineer checks 'show cts role-based sgt map', the SGT mappings for users are not present. What is the most likely cause?
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
✓
The switch is not configured to assign SGTs to users via 802.1X or static mapping.
SXP propagates SGTs from a speaker to a listener. If the switch is the speaker, it must have SGT mappings from authentication. If the switch does not have the mappings, it cannot propagate them. Option B is correct because the switch must first learn SGTs via 802.1X or manual configuration. Option A is incorrect because SXP does not require a specific version. Option C is incorrect because the listener is ISE, which is correct. Option D is incorrect because the peers are established.
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 SXP version mismatch between the switch and ISE.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because SXP versions are backward compatible, and peers are established.
✓
The switch is not configured to assign SGTs to users via 802.1X or static mapping.
Why this is correct
Correct because SXP propagates existing SGTs; if the switch has no mappings, nothing is sent.
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 ISE is configured as an SXP speaker instead of a listener.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the engineer configured the switch as speaker and ISE as listener, which is valid.
✗
The SXP connection is using the wrong TCP port.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because SXP uses TCP port 64999 by default, and peers are established.
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.
802.1X and TrustSec — This question tests 802.1X and TrustSec — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The switch is not configured to assign SGTs to users via 802.1X or static mapping. — SXP propagates SGTs from a speaker to a listener. If the switch is the speaker, it must have SGT mappings from authentication. If the switch does not have the mappings, it cannot propagate them. Option B is correct because the switch must first learn SGTs via 802.1X or manual configuration. Option A is incorrect because SXP does not require a specific version. Option C is incorrect because the listener is ISE, which is correct. Option D is incorrect because the peers are established.
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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