The correct answer is ISE and SXP, as these two components are mandatory for a Cisco TrustSec deployment to function. ISE serves as the centralized policy server and the essential policy decision point, defining security group tags (SGTs) and the access policies that govern traffic. SXP, or SXP, is then required to propagate those SGTs across network devices that do not support inline tagging, ensuring consistent policy enforcement end-to-end. On the Cisco SCOR / CCNP Security Core 350-701 exam, this question tests your understanding of TrustSec’s core architecture; a common trap is assuming that inline tagging alone suffices or that a firewall is required, but without ISE there is no policy engine, and without SXP, legacy devices cannot receive SGT mappings. Remember the memory tip: “ISE decides, SXP delivers.”
350-701 Network Security Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of network security. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 implementing Cisco TrustSec in an enterprise network. Which two components are required for TrustSec to function correctly? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
ISE
Cisco TrustSec uses the Identity Services Engine (ISE) as the centralized policy server to define and enforce security group tags (SGTs) and access policies. ISE is the mandatory policy decision point that assigns SGTs to endpoints and distributes them to network devices via SXP or inline tagging. Without ISE, there is no mechanism to create, manage, or propagate the SGT-based policies that TrustSec relies on.
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.
✓
ISE
Why this is correct
ISE is the policy server that defines TrustSec policies and distributes SGTs.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
AAA server
Why it's wrong here
While ISE includes AAA, a standalone AAA server is not sufficient for TrustSec policy management.
✗
Firepower
Why it's wrong here
Firepower is not a required component for TrustSec; it may integrate but is not mandatory.
✓
SXP
Why this is correct
SXP is used to propagate SGTs to devices that do not support CTS natively.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
SGACL
Why it's wrong here
SGACL is a feature that is applied on access devices, not a required component itself.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between required components (ISE and SXP) and optional or derivative elements (AAA server, Firepower, SGACLs) to catch candidates who confuse the policy enforcement mechanism with the foundational infrastructure.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
TrustSec operates by assigning SGTs to users or devices via ISE, then using SXP (SGT Exchange Protocol) to propagate SGT-to-IP bindings across network devices that do not support inline 802.1AE (MACsec) tagging. SXP uses TCP port 64999 and can operate in speaker/listener or both modes, enabling SGT awareness even on legacy switches. In a real-world scenario, a campus network with mixed hardware might rely on SXP to extend TrustSec policies from the access layer to the distribution layer without requiring end-to-end MACsec.
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 security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
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.
Network Security — This question tests Network Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: ISE — Cisco TrustSec uses the Identity Services Engine (ISE) as the centralized policy server to define and enforce security group tags (SGTs) and access policies. ISE is the mandatory policy decision point that assigns SGTs to endpoints and distributes them to network devices via SXP or inline tagging. Without ISE, there is no mechanism to create, manage, or propagate the SGT-based policies that TrustSec relies on.
What should I do if I get this 350-701 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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.