- A
The crypto map uses IKEv2 for key exchange because the transform set uses SHA-256.
Why wrong: The 'crypto isakmp' commands indicate IKEv1, not IKEv2. IKEv2 uses 'crypto ikev2' commands.
- B
The access-list 101 defines the traffic that will be encrypted; traffic from 192.168.10.0/24 to 192.168.20.0/24 will be protected.
The 'match address 101' in the crypto map references ACL 101, which permits the specified source and destination networks. Only matching traffic triggers IPsec encryption.
- C
The ISAKMP policy lifetime of 86400 seconds is too long and will cause the tunnel to fail.
Why wrong: The default ISAKMP lifetime is 86400 seconds (1 day), which is acceptable. It does not cause failure.
- D
The crypto map should be applied to the tunnel interface, not the physical interface.
Why wrong: Crypto maps are applied to physical interfaces (or subinterfaces) for site-to-site VPNs. Tunnel interfaces are used for VTI or DMVPN.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that access-list 101 defines the traffic which will be encrypted, specifically protecting traffic from 192.168.10.0/24 to 192.168.20.0/24. This is because in a crypto map configuration interpretation for site-to-site IPsec, the match address command under the crypto map references an extended ACL that identifies "interesting traffic"—the only traffic that will be encrypted and sent through the IPsec tunnel to the peer. The ISAKMP policy and transform set define the encryption and hashing algorithms for phases 1 and 2, but without the ACL correctly matching the source and destination networks, no traffic is protected. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this concept tests your ability to read a crypto map configuration and distinguish between the roles of the ISAKMP policy, transform set, and the ACL; a common trap is confusing the ACL with a standard access list or thinking it controls routing rather than encryption. Remember the memory tip: "The ACL is the gatekeeper—only traffic it permits gets encrypted."
CCNP VPN Technologies Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of vpn technologies. 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.
Examine this configuration for a site-to-site VPN on a Cisco router:
crypto isakmp policy 10
encryption aes 256 hash sha256 authentication pre-share group 14 lifetime 86400 !
crypto ipsec transform-set TSET esp-aes 256 esp-sha256-hmac
mode tunnel !
crypto map CMAP 10 ipsec-isakmp
set peer 192.168.1.1 set transform-set TSET match address 101 !
interface GigabitEthernet0/0/0 ip address 10.0.0.1 255.255.255.0 crypto map CMAP
!
access-list 101 permit ip 192.168.10.0 0.0.0.255 192.168.20.0 0.0.0.255
Which statement about this configuration is true?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The access-list 101 defines the traffic that will be encrypted; traffic from 192.168.10.0/24 to 192.168.20.0/24 will be protected.
This is a classic crypto map-based site-to-site IPsec VPN. The ISAKMP policy defines phase 1 parameters, the transform set defines phase 2, and the crypto map binds them together with the peer and interesting traffic ACL. The ACL 101 specifies traffic from 192.168.10.0/24 to 192.168.20.0/24 to be encrypted.
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
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The crypto map uses IKEv2 for key exchange because the transform set uses SHA-256.
Why it's wrong here
The 'crypto isakmp' commands indicate IKEv1, not IKEv2. IKEv2 uses 'crypto ikev2' commands.
- ✓
The access-list 101 defines the traffic that will be encrypted; traffic from 192.168.10.0/24 to 192.168.20.0/24 will be protected.
- ✗
The ISAKMP policy lifetime of 86400 seconds is too long and will cause the tunnel to fail.
Why it's wrong here
The default ISAKMP lifetime is 86400 seconds (1 day), which is acceptable. It does not cause failure.
- ✗
The crypto map should be applied to the tunnel interface, not the physical interface.
Why it's wrong here
Crypto maps are applied to physical interfaces (or subinterfaces) for site-to-site VPNs. Tunnel interfaces are used for VTI or DMVPN.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
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 'crypto isakmp' commands indicate IKEv1, not IKEv2. IKEv2 uses 'crypto ikev2' commands.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
- The first matching ACL entry is used.
- There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
- Check inbound versus outbound direction.
- Read the ACL from top to bottom.
- Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
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
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
- →
VPN Technologies — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
VPN Technologies practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 350-401 questions
2,015 questions across all exam domains
- →
ENCOR 350-401 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
350-401 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 350-401 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Architecture practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Architecture.
Enterprise Network Design practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Enterprise Network Design.
SD-Access Architecture practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to SD-Access Architecture.
SD-WAN Architecture practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to SD-WAN Architecture.
QoS Architecture practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to QoS Architecture.
Virtualization practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Virtualization.
Network Function Virtualization practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Network Function Virtualization.
Virtual Machines and Hypervisors practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Virtual Machines and Hypervisors.
VRF and Path Isolation practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to VRF and Path Isolation.
Infrastructure practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Infrastructure.
OSPF practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to OSPF.
BGP practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to BGP.
Practice this exam
Start a free 350-401 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
VPN Technologies — This question tests VPN Technologies — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The access-list 101 defines the traffic that will be encrypted; traffic from 192.168.10.0/24 to 192.168.20.0/24 will be protected. — This is a classic crypto map-based site-to-site IPsec VPN. The ISAKMP policy defines phase 1 parameters, the transform set defines phase 2, and the crypto map binds them together with the peer and interesting traffic ACL. The ACL 101 specifies traffic from 192.168.10.0/24 to 192.168.20.0/24 to be encrypted.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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 →
Keep practising
More 350-401 practice questions
- Drag and drop the steps to configure an extended access control list (ACL) on a Cisco router in the correct order.
- Drag and drop the steps to configure a site-to-site IPsec VPN on a Cisco router in the correct order.
- Drag and drop the steps to configure VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP) on a Cisco switch in the correct order.
- Drag and drop the steps to configure a static route on a Cisco IOS router into the correct order.
- Drag and drop the steps to configure port security on a Cisco switch in the correct order.
- Drag and drop the steps for the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) convergence process in the correct order.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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.