- A
The transform set uses ESP with AES-256 encryption and SHA-256 HMAC for authentication.
The transform set command 'esp-aes 256 esp-sha256-hmac' specifies ESP with AES-256 encryption and SHA-256 HMAC for integrity/authentication.
- B
The IKEv2 proposal uses AES-256, SHA-256, and DH group 14, but the IPsec profile will not apply because the ikev2-profile command is missing the 'set' keyword.
Why wrong: The syntax 'set ikev2-profile IKEV2_POL' is correct; the 'set' keyword is present. However, note that the profile name is 'IKEV2_POL' but the policy is named 'IKEV2_POL' as well, which is fine.
- C
The transform set is configured in transport mode, which is incorrect for site-to-site VPN.
Why wrong: The 'mode tunnel' command is explicitly configured, so it is in tunnel mode, not transport mode.
- D
The IPsec profile is incomplete because it does not include a PFS (Perfect Forward Secrecy) setting.
Why wrong: PFS is optional; the configuration is valid without it. The profile can still be applied.
Quick Answer
The correct statement is that the transform set uses ESP with AES-256 encryption and SHA-256 HMAC for authentication. This is accurate because the `crypto ipsec transform-set TSET esp-aes 256 esp-sha256-hmac` command explicitly defines an ESP-based transform set that pairs AES-256 for encryption with SHA-256 HMAC for integrity and authentication, operating in tunnel mode. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this configuration tests your ability to distinguish between IKEv2 proposals (which handle Phase 1 parameters like DH group and encryption) and IPsec transform sets (which handle Phase 2 parameters for protecting data traffic). A common trap is confusing the IKEv2 policy with the IKEv2 profile—the profile directly references the transform set and the IKEv2 profile, not the policy itself. Remember the memory tip: "Proposal for Phase 1, Transform for Phase 2" to keep the layers straight when analyzing IPsec IKEv2 transform set configuration.
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 the following IPsec configuration snippet:
crypto ikev2 proposal IKEV2_PROP
encryption aes-cbc-256 integrity sha256 group 14 !
crypto ikev2 policy IKEV2_POL
proposal IKEV2_PROP !
crypto ipsec transform-set TSET esp-aes 256 esp-sha256-hmac
mode tunnel !
crypto ipsec profile IPSEC_PROF
set transform-set TSET set ikev2-profile IKEV2_POL
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 transform set uses ESP with AES-256 encryption and SHA-256 HMAC for authentication.
The configuration defines an IKEv2 proposal with AES-256 encryption, SHA-256 integrity, and Diffie-Hellman group 14. The IPsec transform set uses AES-256 and SHA-256. The IPsec profile references both the transform set and the IKEv2 profile. However, the IKEv2 policy is not directly used in the profile; the profile uses the IKEv2 profile, not the policy. The correct statement is that the transform set uses ESP with AES-256 encryption and SHA-256 HMAC.
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 transform set uses ESP with AES-256 encryption and SHA-256 HMAC for authentication.
Why this is correct
The transform set command 'esp-aes 256 esp-sha256-hmac' specifies ESP with AES-256 encryption and SHA-256 HMAC for integrity/authentication.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The IKEv2 proposal uses AES-256, SHA-256, and DH group 14, but the IPsec profile will not apply because the ikev2-profile command is missing the 'set' keyword.
Why it's wrong here
The syntax 'set ikev2-profile IKEV2_POL' is correct; the 'set' keyword is present. However, note that the profile name is 'IKEV2_POL' but the policy is named 'IKEV2_POL' as well, which is fine.
- ✗
The transform set is configured in transport mode, which is incorrect for site-to-site VPN.
Why it's wrong here
The 'mode tunnel' command is explicitly configured, so it is in tunnel mode, not transport mode.
- ✗
The IPsec profile is incomplete because it does not include a PFS (Perfect Forward Secrecy) setting.
Why it's wrong here
PFS is optional; the configuration is valid without it. The profile can still be applied.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Keyword trap
The syntax 'set ikev2-profile IKEV2_POL' is correct; the 'set' keyword is present. However, note that the profile name is 'IKEV2_POL' but the policy is named 'IKEV2_POL' as well, which is fine.
Command / output trap
The 'mode tunnel' command is explicitly configured, so it is in tunnel mode, not transport mode.
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.
- →
VPN Technologies — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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VPN Technologies practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
VPN Technologies — This question tests VPN Technologies — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The transform set uses ESP with AES-256 encryption and SHA-256 HMAC for authentication. — The configuration defines an IKEv2 proposal with AES-256 encryption, SHA-256 integrity, and Diffie-Hellman group 14. The IPsec transform set uses AES-256 and SHA-256. The IPsec profile references both the transform set and the IKEv2 profile. However, the IKEv2 policy is not directly used in the profile; the profile uses the IKEv2 profile, not the policy. The correct statement is that the transform set uses ESP with AES-256 encryption and SHA-256 HMAC.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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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.
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