Quick Answer
The answer is IEEE 802.1Q with SGT encapsulation, a Cisco proprietary extension. This protocol embeds the security group tag directly into the Ethernet frame header using the Cisco MetaData (CMD) field, allowing TrustSec SGT propagation without additional encapsulation overhead. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this question tests your understanding of how role-based access control is enforced at Layer 2; a common trap is confusing SGT propagation with protocols like VXLAN or LISP, which operate at higher layers. Remember that TrustSec relies on the existing 802.1Q trunking structure, so the SGT rides inside the frame as a metadata tag rather than as a separate packet. A useful memory tip: think of “CMD” as “Carries Metadata Directly” within the 802.1Q header, keeping the tag local to the Ethernet frame for fast, hardware-based policy enforcement.
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.
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?
MPLS
Why wrong: MPLS is a WAN technology, not used for SGT in Ethernet frames.
VXLAN
Why wrong: VXLAN is used for network virtualization, not SGT propagation.
GRE
Why wrong: GRE is a tunneling protocol, not used for SGT.
IEEE 802.1Q with SGT encapsulation (Cisco proprietary)
Cisco TrustSec uses SGT over 802.1Q or other L2 methods.
Answer choices
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.
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.
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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
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.
Detailed technical explanation
The Cisco proprietary SGT encapsulation extends the standard 802.1Q tag by adding a 4-byte CMD (Cisco MetaData) field after the VLAN tag, which contains the SGT value (16 bits) and other control information. This is often referred to as '802.1Q with SGT' or 'SGT over 802.1Q' and is supported on Cisco switches running IOS-XE or NX-OS. In a real-world scenario, if a router or switch does not support this proprietary extension, the SGT information is stripped, potentially breaking TrustSec policy enforcement.
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: 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.
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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