Quick Answer
The answer is the **crypto ikev2 passive** command. This command places the router into a responder-only mode, meaning it will never initiate an IKEv2 Security Association (SA) but will listen for and reply to incoming IKEv2 requests from peers. Technically, this disables the router’s ability to send the initial IKE_SA_INIT message, forcing it to wait for a peer to start the negotiation—a critical behavior in hub-and-spoke topologies where the hub must only respond to spoke-initiated tunnels. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this question tests your understanding of IKEv2 operational modes and how to enforce strict responder behavior, often appearing as a distractor against the similar-sounding but incorrect “crypto ikev2 mode passive” or “no crypto ikev2 enable.” A common trap is confusing this with the “passive-interface” command in routing protocols. Memory tip: think “passive = patient”—the router patiently waits for a knock before opening the door.
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of network 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 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?
crypto ikev2 no initiate
Why wrong: Not a valid command in Cisco IOS.
crypto ikev2 passive
This command disables IKEv2 initiation, making the router respond-only.
crypto ikev2 limit max-incoming-sa 10
Why wrong: Limits number of incoming SAs, but does not prevent initiation.
crypto ikev2 limit max-negotiations 10
Why wrong: Limits simultaneous negotiations, but router can still initiate.
Answer choices
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.
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.
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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
Common exam traps
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Not a valid command in Cisco IOS.
Detailed technical explanation
The 'passive' keyword in IKEv2 configuration modifies the router's behavior at the IKEv2 profile level, ensuring that it will not send IKE_SA_INIT messages but will respond to them. This is particularly useful in DMVPN or FlexVPN deployments where the hub should never initiate tunnels to spokes, preventing unnecessary tunnel setup and reducing control plane load. The command is applied under the IKEv2 proposal or profile configuration mode, not globally.
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Network Security — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Network Security practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All 350-701 questions
500 questions across all exam domains
Cisco SCOR / CCNP Security Core 350-701 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
350-701 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise 350-701 questions linked to Endpoint Protection and Detection.
Practise 350-701 questions linked to Secure Network Access, Visibility and Enforcement.
Practise 350-701 questions linked to Security Concepts.
Practise 350-701 questions linked to Network Security.
Practise 350-701 questions linked to Cloud Security.
Practise 350-701 questions linked to Content Security.
Practise 350-701 questions linked to 350-701 fundamentals.
Practise 350-701 questions linked to 350-701 scenario.
Practise 350-701 questions linked to 350-701 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Network Security — This question tests Network Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 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.
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.
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 →
Keep practising
Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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.