The answer is that the DHCP snooping database is not updated because interface Gi0/1 is not trusted. This is the most likely cause because DHCP Snooping, by default, marks all interfaces as untrusted, and only a switchport connecting to a legitimate DHCP server should be explicitly configured as trusted. Since the DHCP server is connected to Gi0/1, the switch drops all DHCPOFFER and DHCPACK replies arriving on that untrusted port, preventing the DHCP snooping binding table from being populated with the host’s IP address. Without this binding, IP Source Guard on Gi0/0 has no valid entry for the host and drops all IP traffic, including pings to the default gateway. On the Cisco SCOR 350-701 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how DHCP Snooping and IP Source Guard interact—a common trap is forgetting that the DHCP server port must be trusted for the binding database to update. Remember the memory tip: “Trust the server, guard the host.”
350-701 Security Concepts Practice Question
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of security concepts. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
interface GigabitEthernet0/0
ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0
ip verify source
!
interface GigabitEthernet0/1
ip address 192.168.2.1 255.255.255.0
ip verify source
!
ip dhcp snooping vlan 1-100
ip dhcp snooping information option
ip dhcp snooping
!
ip source binding 00:11:22:33:44:55 vlan 10 192.168.1.10 interface GigabitEthernet0/0
!
Refer to the exhibit. An engineer has configured IP Source Guard and DHCP Snooping. A host with MAC 00:11:22:33:44:55 on Gi0/0 is assigned IP 192.168.1.10 via DHCP. However, the host cannot ping its default gateway 192.168.1.1. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Refer to the exhibit.
interface GigabitEthernet0/0
ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0
ip verify source
!
interface GigabitEthernet0/1
ip address 192.168.2.1 255.255.255.0
ip verify source
!
ip dhcp snooping vlan 1-100
ip dhcp snooping information option
ip dhcp snooping
!
ip source binding 00:11:22:33:44:55 vlan 10 192.168.1.10 interface GigabitEthernet0/0
!
A
The DHCP snooping database is not updated because interface Gi0/1 is not trusted
Gi0/1 is not configured as trust, so DHCP replies from the server are dropped, and the host may not have a valid lease. However, the static binding exists, but dynamic bindings fail.
B
The static IP source binding is configured on the wrong VLAN
Why wrong: The binding is for VLAN 10, and the host is on VLAN 10 (implied by IP 192.168.1.10/24).
C
ARP inspection is not enabled, so the switch drops ARP replies
Why wrong: DAI is not configured, but without it, ARP works normally.
D
The 'ip verify source' command is missing the 'port-security' keyword
Why wrong: Without 'port-security', IP Source Guard only checks IP, not MAC, but the host's IP matches.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The DHCP snooping database is not updated because interface Gi0/1 is not trusted
The host cannot ping its default gateway because DHCP Snooping marks interface Gi0/1 as untrusted by default. Since the DHCP server is connected to Gi0/1, the switch drops DHCP replies from that interface, preventing the DHCP snooping binding database from being updated with the host's IP address. Without a valid binding, IP Source Guard on Gi0/0 drops all IP traffic from the host, including pings to the gateway.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
The DHCP snooping database is not updated because interface Gi0/1 is not trusted
Why this is correct
Gi0/1 is not configured as trust, so DHCP replies from the server are dropped, and the host may not have a valid lease. However, the static binding exists, but dynamic bindings fail.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The static IP source binding is configured on the wrong VLAN
Why it's wrong here
The binding is for VLAN 10, and the host is on VLAN 10 (implied by IP 192.168.1.10/24).
✗
ARP inspection is not enabled, so the switch drops ARP replies
Why it's wrong here
DAI is not configured, but without it, ARP works normally.
✗
The 'ip verify source' command is missing the 'port-security' keyword
Why it's wrong here
Without 'port-security', IP Source Guard only checks IP, not MAC, but the host's IP matches.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that IP Source Guard works independently of DHCP Snooping, when in fact it relies entirely on the DHCP snooping binding database, and a missing trust configuration on the DHCP server-facing port is a common root cause.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DHCP Snooping operates by building a binding table from DHCP ACK messages received only on trusted ports. When Gi0/1 is untrusted, the switch drops all DHCP server messages (OFFER, ACK) on that port, so the binding for 192.168.1.10 is never created. IP Source Guard then uses this binding table to filter traffic; without a binding, any IP packet from the host is dropped, even if the host has a valid DHCP-assigned address. In real-world scenarios, this often occurs when an administrator forgets to configure 'ip dhcp snooping trust' on the uplink port connecting to the DHCP server.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Security Concepts — This question tests Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The DHCP snooping database is not updated because interface Gi0/1 is not trusted — The host cannot ping its default gateway because DHCP Snooping marks interface Gi0/1 as untrusted by default. Since the DHCP server is connected to Gi0/1, the switch drops DHCP replies from that interface, preventing the DHCP snooping binding database from being updated with the host's IP address. Without a valid binding, IP Source Guard on Gi0/0 drops all IP traffic from the host, including pings to the gateway.
What should I do if I get this 350-701 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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