- A
FlexVPN uses IKEv2 as its underlying key exchange protocol.
Correct because FlexVPN is built on IKEv2, leveraging its features like EAP, mobility, and NAT traversal.
- B
FlexVPN supports both site-to-site and remote access VPN topologies.
Correct because FlexVPN can be deployed as a hub-and-spoke site-to-site VPN or as a remote access server for clients.
- C
FlexVPN requires a dedicated AAA server for all authentication functions.
Why wrong: Incorrect because FlexVPN can use local authentication on the hub router; AAA is optional but recommended for scalability.
- D
FlexVPN can use digital certificates or pre-shared keys for authentication.
Correct because IKEv2 supports both authentication methods, and FlexVPN inherits this flexibility.
- E
FlexVPN uses NHRP to dynamically discover spoke routers and establish direct tunnels.
Why wrong: Incorrect because NHRP is used in DMVPN, not FlexVPN. FlexVPN relies on IKEv2 for peer discovery and tunnel establishment.
Quick Answer
The answer is that FlexVPN can use digital certificates or pre-shared keys for authentication, making it a versatile and secure VPN solution. This is correct because FlexVPN is Cisco’s implementation based on IKEv2, which natively supports both certificate-based and pre-shared key authentication methods, along with centralized key management for hub-and-spoke, spoke-to-spoke, and remote access topologies. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this question tests your understanding of FlexVPN’s core features and its reliance on IKEv2 rather than the older IKEv1 used by DMVPN or GETVPN. A common trap is confusing FlexVPN with DMVPN, but remember that FlexVPN is strictly IKEv2-based and does not support NHRP or mGRE. To recall the key capabilities, think of the acronym FLEX: Flexible authentication (certificates or PSK), IKEv2-only, End-to-end encryption, and eXtended topologies (hub, spoke, and remote access).
CCNP VPN Technologies Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of vpn technologies. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which three statements about FlexVPN are true? (Choose three.)
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
FlexVPN uses IKEv2 as its underlying key exchange protocol.
FlexVPN is a Cisco implementation based on IKEv2, supporting hub-and-spoke, spoke-to-spoke, and remote access VPNs with centralized key management.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
FlexVPN uses IKEv2 as its underlying key exchange protocol.
Why this is correct
Correct because FlexVPN is built on IKEv2, leveraging its features like EAP, mobility, and NAT traversal.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
FlexVPN supports both site-to-site and remote access VPN topologies.
Why this is correct
Correct because FlexVPN can be deployed as a hub-and-spoke site-to-site VPN or as a remote access server for clients.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
FlexVPN requires a dedicated AAA server for all authentication functions.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because FlexVPN can use local authentication on the hub router; AAA is optional but recommended for scalability.
- ✓
FlexVPN can use digital certificates or pre-shared keys for authentication.
Why this is correct
Correct because IKEv2 supports both authentication methods, and FlexVPN inherits this flexibility.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
FlexVPN uses NHRP to dynamically discover spoke routers and establish direct tunnels.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because NHRP is used in DMVPN, not FlexVPN. FlexVPN relies on IKEv2 for peer discovery and tunnel establishment.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-401 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
VPN Technologies — This question tests VPN Technologies — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: FlexVPN uses IKEv2 as its underlying key exchange protocol. — FlexVPN is a Cisco implementation based on IKEv2, supporting hub-and-spoke, spoke-to-spoke, and remote access VPNs with centralized key management.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 350-401 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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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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