Quick Answer
The correct conclusion is that traffic from SGT 20 to SGT 30 is permitted, as shown in the last line of the output. This is because the `show cts role-based permissions` command displays the TrustSec policy matrix, where each row defines an action—PERMIT or DENY—between a source Security Group Tag (SGT) and a destination SGT. In this case, the policy explicitly allows traffic from source group 20 to destination group 30, while traffic from SGT 10 to SGT 20 is permitted and from SGT 10 to SGT 30 is denied. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this question tests your ability to read Cisco TrustSec role-based permissions output and understand how SGT-based policies enforce segmentation. A common trap is misreading the source and destination columns or assuming that a missing entry implies a default permit; remember that only explicitly listed policies are enforced. Memory tip: think of the output as a simple "source-to-destination action" table—read left to right, and the action column tells you the final verdict.
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of 802.1x and trustsec. 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 switch SW3:
SW3# show cts role-based permissions
IPv4 Role-based permissions:
Source Group Dest Group Action 10 20 PERMIT 10 30 DENY 20 30 PERMIT
Based on this output, what can be concluded?
Traffic from SGT 10 to SGT 20 is denied.
Why wrong: The output shows PERMIT for source 10 to dest 20.
Traffic from SGT 10 to SGT 30 is permitted.
Why wrong: The output shows DENY for source 10 to dest 30.
Traffic from SGT 20 to SGT 30 is permitted.
The output shows PERMIT for source 20 to dest 30.
Traffic from SGT 30 to SGT 10 is denied.
Why wrong: The output does not show a policy for source 30 to dest 10; the table is directional.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Traffic from SGT 20 to SGT 30 is permitted.
The output shows the role-based access control policies between SGTs. Traffic from SGT 10 to SGT 20 is permitted, from SGT 10 to SGT 30 is denied, and from SGT 20 to SGT 30 is permitted. This is a key part of TrustSec policy enforcement.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Traffic from SGT 10 to SGT 20 is denied.
Why it's wrong here
The output shows PERMIT for source 10 to dest 20.
Traffic from SGT 10 to SGT 30 is permitted.
Why it's wrong here
The output shows DENY for source 10 to dest 30.
Traffic from SGT 20 to SGT 30 is permitted.
Why this is correct
The output shows PERMIT for source 20 to dest 30.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Traffic from SGT 30 to SGT 10 is denied.
Why it's wrong here
The output does not show a policy for source 30 to dest 10; the table is directional.
Common exam traps
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The output shows PERMIT for source 10 to dest 20.
Detailed technical explanation
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
What to study next
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 350-401 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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FAQ
802.1X and TrustSec — This question tests 802.1X and TrustSec — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
The correct answer is: Traffic from SGT 20 to SGT 30 is permitted. — The output shows the role-based access control policies between SGTs. Traffic from SGT 10 to SGT 20 is permitted, from SGT 10 to SGT 30 is denied, and from SGT 20 to SGT 30 is permitted. This is a key part of TrustSec policy enforcement.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 350-401 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Same concept, more angles
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. A network engineer runs the following command on switch SW9: SW9# show cts role-based policy Role-based policy: Source Group Dest Group Action 10 20 PERMIT 10 30 DENY 20 30 PERMIT Based on this output, what can be concluded?
mediumWhy B: The output shows the role-based policy table. It lists the source and destination SGTs and the action (PERMIT or DENY). This is the policy that the switch enforces for traffic between SGTs.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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