- A
The 5 GHz band is being used for both backhaul and client access, causing co-channel interference.
Correct because using the same band for backhaul and client access can cause interference if channels overlap; dedicated backhaul channels should be used.
- B
The 802.11a/n standard is obsolete and does not support mesh networking.
Why wrong: Incorrect because 802.11a/n is widely used for mesh backhaul and is not obsolete.
- C
The mesh APs require a wired Ethernet connection to the root AP.
Why wrong: Incorrect because mesh APs communicate wirelessly; only the root AP needs a wired connection.
- D
The 2.4 GHz band provides better range for backhaul than the 5 GHz band.
Why wrong: Incorrect because 5 GHz typically offers higher throughput and is preferred for backhaul, though range is shorter; the issue is interference, not range.
Quick Answer
The answer is that the 5 GHz band is being used for both backhaul and client access, causing co-channel interference. This instability arises because the mesh backhaul links and client radios compete for the same limited spectrum, leading to packet collisions and degraded throughput—a classic case of mesh backhaul instability due to co-channel interference. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of wireless architecture and channel planning, often appearing as a trap where you must recognize that using the same frequency band for both backhaul and access creates self-interference, even if the channels are nominally different. A common mistake is to blame range or obsolescence, but the core issue is overlapping radio resources. Memory tip: “Same band, same pain—keep backhaul on a dedicated band or channel to avoid the drain.”
CCNP Wireless Infrastructure Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of wireless infrastructure. 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.
A network engineer is deploying a wireless mesh network using outdoor access points. The mesh APs are configured to use 802.11a/n on the 5 GHz band for backhaul and 802.11b/g/n on the 2.4 GHz band for client access. The engineer notices that the mesh backhaul links are unstable and have high packet loss. What is the most likely cause of the instability?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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 5 GHz band is being used for both backhaul and client access, causing co-channel interference.
The correct answer is that the backhaul and client access channels are overlapping, causing interference. Using the same band for both backhaul and client access can lead to co-channel interference, especially if channels are not carefully planned. The other options are less likely: 802.11a/n is not obsolete, mesh backhaul does not require a wired connection, and 5 GHz generally has better range than 2.4 GHz for backhaul.
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 5 GHz band is being used for both backhaul and client access, causing co-channel interference.
Why this is correct
Correct because using the same band for backhaul and client access can cause interference if channels overlap; dedicated backhaul channels should be used.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The 802.11a/n standard is obsolete and does not support mesh networking.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because 802.11a/n is widely used for mesh backhaul and is not obsolete.
- ✗
The mesh APs require a wired Ethernet connection to the root AP.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because mesh APs communicate wirelessly; only the root AP needs a wired connection.
- ✗
The 2.4 GHz band provides better range for backhaul than the 5 GHz band.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because 5 GHz typically offers higher throughput and is preferred for backhaul, though range is shorter; the issue is interference, not range.
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.
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.
- →
Wireless Infrastructure — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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Wireless Infrastructure practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
Wireless Infrastructure — This question tests Wireless Infrastructure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The 5 GHz band is being used for both backhaul and client access, causing co-channel interference. — The correct answer is that the backhaul and client access channels are overlapping, causing interference. Using the same band for both backhaul and client access can lead to co-channel interference, especially if channels are not carefully planned. The other options are less likely: 802.11a/n is not obsolete, mesh backhaul does not require a wired connection, and 5 GHz generally has better range than 2.4 GHz for backhaul.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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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