Quick Answer
The answer is Security Group Tag (SGT) assignment and the Security Group Tag Exchange Protocol (SXP). These are two core features of Cisco TrustSec because TrustSec builds its zero-trust architecture on SGTs to classify traffic by user, device, or role rather than by IP address, and SXP is the protocol that propagates these IP-to-SGT mappings across network devices that cannot tag packets in hardware. On the Cisco SCOR / CCNP Security Core 350-701 exam, this question tests your understanding that SGT assignment is the foundational mechanism for policy enforcement, while SXP enables interoperability in mixed environments by exchanging bindings over TCP. A common trap is confusing SXP with inline tagging or assuming SXP itself assigns tags—it only propagates them. Remember the mnemonic: "SGT Assigns, SXP Passes."
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of secure network access, visibility and enforcement. 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.
Which TWO of the following are features of Cisco TrustSec? (Choose TWO)
Security Group Tag Exchange Protocol (SXP)
SXP propagates SGTs across network devices.
Security Group Tag (SGT) assignment
SGTs are the core of TrustSec for micro-segmentation.
IPsec VPN
Why wrong: IPsec VPN is not part of TrustSec.
Network Access Control (NAC)
Why wrong: NAC is a broader term, TrustSec is a specific implementation.
802.1X authentication
Why wrong: 802.1X is an authentication method, not a TrustSec feature.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Security Group Tag Exchange Protocol (SXP)
Security Group Tag Exchange Protocol (SXP) is a Cisco TrustSec feature that propagates Security Group Tag (SGT) bindings between network devices without requiring inline tagging on every packet. It allows devices that do not natively support SGT in hardware to participate in TrustSec by exchanging IP-to-SGT mappings over TCP, enabling consistent policy enforcement across heterogeneous environments.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Security Group Tag Exchange Protocol (SXP)
Why this is correct
SXP propagates SGTs across network devices.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Security Group Tag (SGT) assignment
Why this is correct
SGTs are the core of TrustSec for micro-segmentation.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
IPsec VPN
Network Access Control (NAC)
Why it's wrong here
NAC is a broader term, TrustSec is a specific implementation.
802.1X authentication
Why it's wrong here
802.1X is an authentication method, not a TrustSec feature.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between TrustSec features (SGT assignment and SXP) and supporting technologies like 802.1X or NAC, leading candidates to mistakenly select authentication or access control mechanisms as core TrustSec components.
Detailed technical explanation
SXP operates by establishing a TCP connection (default port 64999) between a speaker and a listener, exchanging SGT bindings in a format defined by Cisco. The SGT itself is a 16-bit value carried in the Cisco Meta Data (CMD) header of Ethernet frames or as a VXLAN Group Policy Option (GPO) in overlay networks, allowing scalable policy enforcement at the switch or router level without per-flow ACLs. In a real-world scenario, SXP is critical when integrating legacy access switches that cannot tag packets inline, ensuring that IP-to-SGT mappings are propagated to enforcement points like firewalls or core switches.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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FAQ
Secure Network Access, Visibility and Enforcement — This question tests Secure Network Access, Visibility and Enforcement — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Security Group Tag Exchange Protocol (SXP) — Security Group Tag Exchange Protocol (SXP) is a Cisco TrustSec feature that propagates Security Group Tag (SGT) bindings between network devices without requiring inline tagging on every packet. It allows devices that do not natively support SGT in hardware to participate in TrustSec by exchanging IP-to-SGT mappings over TCP, enabling consistent policy enforcement across heterogeneous environments.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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