Quick Answer
The answer is the `show crypto ipsec sa` command, which is the correct choice because it directly displays the IPsec security associations (SAs) and their associated packet and byte counters, including critical error counters like `pkts encaps failed` and `pkts decap failed`. These counters pinpoint failures in encryption, decryption, or integrity checks during IPsec Phase 2, making it the essential tool for troubleshooting a tunnel that fails to establish despite a correctly configured crypto map and matching access list. On the Cisco SCOR / CCNP Security Core 350-701 exam, this command tests your ability to isolate Phase 2 issues from Phase 1 problems—a common trap is confusing it with `show crypto isakmp sa`, which only verifies IKE Phase 1. Remember the memory tip: “IPsec SA for Phase 2 errors; ISAKMP SA for Phase 1 peers.”
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of network security. 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.
A network engineer is troubleshooting an IPsec VPN tunnel that fails to establish. The configuration includes a crypto map with a matching access list. Which command should be used to verify the security associations and error counters for the IPsec phase?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
show crypto ipsec sa
Displays IPsec security associations and packet/error counters.
show crypto engine statistics
Why wrong: Shows crypto engine utilization, not SA details.
debug crypto isakmp
Why wrong: Debug command that can impact performance; not a verification show command.
show crypto isakmp sa
Why wrong: Shows IKE phase 1 SAs, not IPsec phase 2 SAs.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
show crypto ipsec sa
The 'show crypto ipsec sa' command displays the IPsec security associations (SAs) and their associated packet/byte counters, including error counters such as 'pkts encaps failed' and 'pkts decap failed'. This directly verifies the IPsec Phase 2 SAs and identifies failures in encryption/decryption or integrity checks, which is essential for troubleshooting a tunnel that fails to establish.
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.
show crypto ipsec sa
Why this is correct
Displays IPsec security associations and packet/error counters.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
show crypto engine statistics
Why it's wrong here
Shows crypto engine utilization, not SA details.
debug crypto isakmp
Why it's wrong here
Debug command that can impact performance; not a verification show command.
show crypto isakmp sa
Why it's wrong here
Shows IKE phase 1 SAs, not IPsec phase 2 SAs.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between IKE Phase 1 (ISAKMP) and IPsec Phase 2 (IPsec SA) commands, so the trap here is that candidates confuse 'show crypto isakmp sa' (Phase 1) with 'show crypto ipsec sa' (Phase 2) when the question specifically asks about IPsec phase verification.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows crypto engine utilization, not SA details.
Detailed technical explanation
IPsec SAs are unidirectional and are created in pairs (inbound and outbound) for each security protocol (ESP or AH). The 'show crypto ipsec sa' command provides detailed per-SA information including the SPI (Security Parameter Index), transform set, lifetime, and packet counters; the 'pkts encaps failed' counter increments when the outbound packet cannot be encrypted due to missing SA or policy mismatch, while 'pkts decap failed' indicates inbound authentication or decryption failures. In real-world scenarios, a non-zero 'pkts encaps failed' counter often points to a mismatched crypto ACL or missing peer route.
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.
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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: show crypto ipsec sa — The 'show crypto ipsec sa' command displays the IPsec security associations (SAs) and their associated packet/byte counters, including error counters such as 'pkts encaps failed' and 'pkts decap failed'. This directly verifies the IPsec Phase 2 SAs and identifies failures in encryption/decryption or integrity checks, which is essential for troubleshooting a tunnel that fails to establish.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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