The answer is that the host in the primary VLAN must be connected to a promiscuous port. This is required because a promiscuous port is the only port type within a private VLAN that can communicate with all other port types, including community and isolated ports, while community ports can only talk to other community ports and the promiscuous port. In the context of the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this concept tests your understanding of private VLAN traffic flow and the role of the promiscuous port as the gateway for inter-VLAN communication, often appearing in scenario-based questions where a Layer 3 gateway or server must be placed on that port. A common trap is assuming a community port can directly reach the primary VLAN host without a promiscuous intermediary. Remember the memory tip: “Promiscuous talks to all, community talks to its own and promiscuous only.”
350-601 Security Practice Question
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of security. 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.
In a private VLAN configuration, a host in a community VLAN needs to communicate with a host in the primary VLAN. What configuration is required on the switch?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The host in primary VLAN must be on a promiscuous port
In a private VLAN configuration, a host in a community VLAN can communicate with a host in the primary VLAN only if the host in the primary VLAN is on a promiscuous port. The promiscuous port can communicate with all other ports in the private VLAN, including community and isolated ports, enabling inter-VLAN traffic through a Layer 3 gateway or a server connected to that port.
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 host in community VLAN must be on an isolated port
Why it's wrong here
Isolated ports cannot communicate with any other ports except the promiscuous port.
✓
The host in primary VLAN must be on a promiscuous port
Why this is correct
The primary VLAN host must be on a promiscuous port to allow communication from community VLAN.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The host in community VLAN must be on a promiscuous port
Why it's wrong here
Community VLAN hosts should be on community ports, not promiscuous.
✗
The host in primary VLAN must be on a community port
Why it's wrong here
Community ports are associated with community VLANs, not primary VLANs.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that a community VLAN host can directly communicate with a primary VLAN host without a promiscuous port, or that the primary VLAN host must be on a community port, confusing the roles of promiscuous and community ports in private VLANs.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Private VLANs use three port types: promiscuous (P), community (C), and isolated (I). The primary VLAN carries traffic from promiscuous ports to all secondary VLANs, while community VLANs allow intra-community communication but isolate from other communities. In real-world deployments, a promiscuous port is typically used for a router or firewall interface that needs to reach all hosts in the private VLAN, and the switch uses VLAN mapping to enforce these traffic rules at the hardware level.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Security — This question tests Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The host in primary VLAN must be on a promiscuous port — In a private VLAN configuration, a host in a community VLAN can communicate with a host in the primary VLAN only if the host in the primary VLAN is on a promiscuous port. The promiscuous port can communicate with all other ports in the private VLAN, including community and isolated ports, enabling inter-VLAN traffic through a Layer 3 gateway or a server connected to that port.
What should I do if I get this 350-601 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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