The correct answer is to use the 'vlan filter' command in global configuration mode. This command is required because VLAN ACLs (VACLs) on a Cisco Nexus 9000 operate at Layer 2, filtering traffic within or between VLANs without needing a routed interface; the 'vlan filter' command binds a previously defined VLAN access-map directly to a specific VLAN, enforcing the filtering logic at the hardware level. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how to separate control from data plane policies—a common trap is confusing VACL application with the 'ip access-group' command used on Layer 3 interfaces, or thinking VACLs are applied under the VLAN interface configuration. Remember that VACLs are applied globally, not per-interface, making the 'vlan filter' command the only way to activate them. A useful memory tip: think "VLAN Filter = Global Glue" — the access-map is the policy, but the 'vlan filter' command is the glue that sticks it to the VLAN.
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.
A network engineer is configuring VLAN ACLs on a Cisco Nexus 9000 switch to enforce traffic filtering between VLANs. Which configuration step is required to apply a VACL to a VLAN?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use the 'vlan filter' command in global configuration mode.
Option D is correct because VACLs on Cisco Nexus 9000 switches are applied using the 'vlan filter' command in global configuration mode, which references a VLAN access-map. This command binds the access-map to a specific VLAN, enabling Layer 2 traffic filtering between VLANs without requiring a Layer 3 interface.
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.
✗
Apply the VACL to a Layer 3 interface using 'ip access-group'.
Why it's wrong here
ip access-group applies to interfaces, not VLANs for VACL.
✗
Apply the VACL to a physical port using 'mac access-group'.
Why it's wrong here
mac access-group applies MAC ACLs to ports, not VLAN ACLs.
✗
Define a VLAN access-map and then apply it under the VLAN configuration.
Why it's wrong here
VACLs are applied globally, not under the VLAN config.
✓
Use the 'vlan filter' command in global configuration mode.
Why this is correct
'vlan filter' applies the VACL to a specific VLAN.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between applying an ACL to an interface versus applying a VACL to a VLAN, and the trap here is that candidates mistakenly think a VLAN access-map is applied directly under the VLAN configuration (like 'vlan 10' mode) rather than using the global 'vlan filter' command.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VACLs operate at Layer 2 and filter traffic based on MAC addresses, IP addresses, or protocol types within a VLAN, using a VLAN access-map that contains match and action clauses. The 'vlan filter' command binds the access-map to the VLAN globally, and the switch processes VACL rules in hardware using TCAM, which can impact performance if the ACL is large. In real-world scenarios, VACLs are often used to isolate guest or IoT traffic without routing, ensuring that even bridged frames are inspected.
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: Use the 'vlan filter' command in global configuration mode. — Option D is correct because VACLs on Cisco Nexus 9000 switches are applied using the 'vlan filter' command in global configuration mode, which references a VLAN access-map. This command binds the access-map to a specific VLAN, enabling Layer 2 traffic filtering between VLANs without requiring a Layer 3 interface.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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