Quick Answer
The answer is IKE_SA_INIT, IKE_AUTH, and INFORMATIONAL. These three are the valid components of an IKEv2 exchange because the protocol streamlines IPsec setup into just two mandatory phases—IKE_SA_INIT negotiates cryptographic parameters and Diffie-Hellman values, while IKE_AUTH authenticates peers and establishes the first child SA—plus the optional but standard INFORMATIONAL exchange for managing errors or deleting SAs, as defined in RFC 7296. On the Cisco SCOR / CCNP Security Core 350-701 exam, this question tests your understanding of IKEv2’s efficiency over IKEv1, often appearing as a multiple-select trap where candidates mistakenly include IKEv1-only exchanges like Quick Mode or Main Mode. Remember: IKEv2 uses only three exchange types total—the two mandatory ones and the INFORMATIONAL—so a handy mnemonic is “Two to start, one to stop.”
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of network security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 THREE are valid components of an IKEv2 exchange? (Choose three.)
Aggressive Mode exchange
Why wrong: Aggressive Mode is IKEv1 only.
Main Mode exchange
Why wrong: Main Mode is used in IKEv1, not IKEv2.
IKE_SA_INIT exchange
First pair of messages to negotiate cryptographic parameters and exchange nonces.
IKE_AUTH exchange
Second pair to authenticate identities and establish first IPsec SA.
INFORMATIONAL exchange
Used for error reporting, deletion, and status.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
IKE_SA_INIT exchange
IKEv2 simplifies the Internet Key Exchange process by using only two exchanges to establish an IPsec security association: the IKE_SA_INIT exchange (for negotiating cryptographic parameters and exchanging Diffie-Hellman public values) and the IKE_AUTH exchange (for authenticating the peers and establishing the first child SA). These are the mandatory exchanges defined in RFC 7296, making options C and D correct. The INFORMATIONAL exchange is also a valid component of IKEv2, used for error reporting and deleting SAs, which is why option E is correct.
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.
Aggressive Mode exchange
Why it's wrong here
Aggressive Mode is IKEv1 only.
Main Mode exchange
Why it's wrong here
Main Mode is used in IKEv1, not IKEv2.
IKE_SA_INIT exchange
Why this is correct
First pair of messages to negotiate cryptographic parameters and exchange nonces.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
IKE_AUTH exchange
Why this is correct
Second pair to authenticate identities and establish first IPsec SA.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
INFORMATIONAL exchange
Why this is correct
Used for error reporting, deletion, and status.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between IKEv1 and IKEv2 phases, and the trap here is that candidates familiar with IKEv1 mistakenly select Main Mode or Aggressive Mode as valid IKEv2 components, not realizing IKEv2 uses entirely different exchange names.
Detailed technical explanation
IKEv2's IKE_SA_INIT exchange performs the same function as IKEv1's Main Mode (negotiating crypto proposals and generating keying material via Diffie-Hellman), but it does so in a single round trip, improving efficiency. The IKE_AUTH exchange then authenticates the peers using methods like pre-shared keys or certificates and creates the first child SA, all in one exchange. The INFORMATIONAL exchange is protected by the established IKE SA and can carry notifications, such as delete payloads or error messages, and is critical for proper SA lifecycle management in production networks.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the 350-701 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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FAQ
Network Security — This question tests Network Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: IKE_SA_INIT exchange — IKEv2 simplifies the Internet Key Exchange process by using only two exchanges to establish an IPsec security association: the IKE_SA_INIT exchange (for negotiating cryptographic parameters and exchanging Diffie-Hellman public values) and the IKE_AUTH exchange (for authenticating the peers and establishing the first child SA). These are the mandatory exchanges defined in RFC 7296, making options C and D correct. The INFORMATIONAL exchange is also a valid component of IKEv2, used for error reporting and deleting SAs, which is why option E is correct.
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 25, 2026
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