- A
Centralized WLC architecture, because it provides better RF management and security.
Why wrong: Incorrect because centralized architecture adds latency due to CAPWAP tunneling, which is detrimental to real-time applications.
- B
Converged access (SD-Access) wireless, because it allows local switching of traffic at the access layer, reducing latency.
Correct because SD-Access wireless enables local switching, which minimizes latency for real-time traffic by avoiding backhaul to a central WLC.
- C
Centralized WLC architecture, because it requires fewer access points to cover the warehouse.
Why wrong: Incorrect because the number of APs depends on coverage requirements, not the architecture type.
- D
Converged access (SD-Access) wireless, because it requires fewer WLCs to manage the network.
Why wrong: Incorrect because SD-Access may still require multiple WLCs for redundancy and scale; the primary advantage is local switching, not WLC count reduction.
Quick Answer
The answer is converged access (SD-Access) wireless architecture. This is the correct choice because it enables local switching of traffic at the access layer, which directly reduces latency for real-time applications like voice and video in high-density warehouse environments. In contrast, a centralized WLC architecture with CAPWAP tunnels forces all client traffic back to a central controller, introducing unnecessary delay and jitter. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this question tests your understanding of data-plane forwarding models and their impact on application performance; a common trap is assuming centralized control always means better management, but for low-latency requirements, local switching is key. Remember the memory tip: “Local for low latency, tunnel for central control.”
CCNP Wireless Infrastructure Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of wireless infrastructure. 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.
A company is deploying a new wireless network in a large warehouse. The network engineer must choose between using a centralized WLC architecture (with CAPWAP tunnels) or a converged access (SD-Access) wireless architecture. The warehouse has high-density client areas and requires low latency for real-time applications like voice and video. Which architecture should the engineer choose and why?
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
Converged access (SD-Access) wireless, because it allows local switching of traffic at the access layer, reducing latency.
The correct answer is converged access (SD-Access) because it enables local switching of traffic at the access layer, reducing latency and improving performance for real-time applications. Centralized CAPWAP tunnels would force all traffic back to the WLC, increasing latency. The other options are incorrect because centralized architecture does not inherently provide better RF management, and SD-Access does not require more APs or more WLCs.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Centralized WLC architecture, because it provides better RF management and security.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because centralized architecture adds latency due to CAPWAP tunneling, which is detrimental to real-time applications.
- ✓
Converged access (SD-Access) wireless, because it allows local switching of traffic at the access layer, reducing latency.
Why this is correct
Correct because SD-Access wireless enables local switching, which minimizes latency for real-time traffic by avoiding backhaul to a central WLC.
Related concept
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
- ✗
Centralized WLC architecture, because it requires fewer access points to cover the warehouse.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the number of APs depends on coverage requirements, not the architecture type.
- ✗
Converged access (SD-Access) wireless, because it requires fewer WLCs to manage the network.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because SD-Access may still require multiple WLCs for redundancy and scale; the primary advantage is local switching, not WLC count reduction.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: OSPF can fail even when IP connectivity looks correct
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
- Router ID selection can affect neighbour relationships and LSDB output.
- OSPF cost influences the preferred path.
- A route can appear in OSPF information but not become the installed route.
TExam Day Tips
- Check area mismatch first when OSPF adjacency fails.
- Review passive interfaces when a network is advertised but no neighbour forms.
- Use show ip ospf neighbor and show ip route clues carefully.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
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. OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough. 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.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 350-401 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
Wireless Infrastructure — This question tests Wireless Infrastructure — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Converged access (SD-Access) wireless, because it allows local switching of traffic at the access layer, reducing latency. — The correct answer is converged access (SD-Access) because it enables local switching of traffic at the access layer, reducing latency and improving performance for real-time applications. Centralized CAPWAP tunnels would force all traffic back to the WLC, increasing latency. The other options are incorrect because centralized architecture does not inherently provide better RF management, and SD-Access does not require more APs or more WLCs.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related 350-401 OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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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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