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350-701 Practice Question: In a Cisco TrustSec deployment, security group…
In a Cisco TrustSec deployment, security group tags (SGTs) are used to represent user and device roles. These tags must be propagated across the network. Which protocol is used to carry SGT information in Ethernet frames?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between standard 802.1Q and the proprietary SGT extension, and the trap here is that candidates may confuse VXLAN's Group Policy ID (GPID) with the native Ethernet frame method, or assume MPLS or GRE are used for SGT transport because they are common encapsulation protocols.
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
✓
IEEE 802.1Q with SGT encapsulation (Cisco proprietary)
Cisco TrustSec uses SGTs to enforce role-based access control. To propagate SGT information across the network, Cisco developed a proprietary extension to IEEE 802.1Q that embeds the SGT into the Ethernet frame header, specifically using the CMD (Cisco MetaData) field. This allows switches and routers to enforce security policies based on the SGT without requiring additional encapsulation overhead.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
MPLS
Why it's wrong here
MPLS is a WAN technology, not used for SGT in Ethernet frames.
- ✗
VXLAN
Why it's wrong here
VXLAN is used for network virtualization, not SGT propagation.
- ✗
GRE
Why it's wrong here
GRE is a tunneling protocol, not used for SGT.
- ✓
IEEE 802.1Q with SGT encapsulation (Cisco proprietary)
Why this is correct
Cisco TrustSec uses SGT over 802.1Q or other L2 methods.
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
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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.