hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
350-701 Practice Question: A network administrator is configuring IKEv2 on a…
A network administrator is configuring IKEv2 on a Cisco router and wants to ensure that the router does not initiate connections but only responds to incoming IKEv2 requests. Which configuration command should be applied?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between 'passive' mode and other IKEv2 limit commands, where candidates mistakenly choose a limit-based command (like max-incoming-sa or max-negotiations) thinking it prevents initiation, but only 'passive' actually stops the router from sending initial IKEv2 messages.
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
✓
crypto ikev2 passive
The 'crypto ikev2 passive' command configures the router to only respond to incoming IKEv2 requests and never initiate its own IKEv2 connections. This is essential for scenarios where the router must act as a responder only, such as in hub-and-spoke VPN topologies where the hub should not initiate tunnels.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
crypto ikev2 no initiate
Why it's wrong here
Not a valid command in Cisco IOS.
- ✓
crypto ikev2 passive
Why this is correct
This command disables IKEv2 initiation, making the router respond-only.
- ✗
crypto ikev2 limit max-incoming-sa 10
Why it's wrong here
Limits number of incoming SAs, but does not prevent initiation.
- ✗
crypto ikev2 limit max-negotiations 10
Why it's wrong here
Limits simultaneous negotiations, but router can still initiate.
Quick reference
VPN Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port | Encryption | Authentication | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IKEv2 / IPsec | UDP 500 / 4500 | AES-256 | Certificates / PSK | Site-to-site & remote access |
| SSL / TLS VPN | TCP 443 | TLS 1.3 | Certificates / MFA | Clientless remote access |
| L2TP / IPsec | UDP 1701 | AES (IPsec) | PSK / Certificates | Legacy remote access |
| WireGuard | UDP 51820 | ChaCha20 | Public keys | Modern high-performance VPN |
| PPTP | TCP 1723 | MPPE (weak) | MS-CHAPv2 | Legacy — avoid in production |
PPTP is considered insecure. IKEv2/IPsec and SSL VPN are the current recommended options.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
Courseiva writes every 350-701 question from scratch — 978 in total, each with an explanation and a wrong-answer breakdown. None are copied from real exams or dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 350-701 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 350-701 exam.