Quick Answer
The answer is MACsec, or Media Access Control Security, defined by IEEE 802.1AE. This is the correct choice because it operates at Layer 2, the data link layer, to provide hop-by-hop encryption, integrity, and authentication directly on Ethernet frames between two switches. Unlike IPsec or TLS, which work at higher layers, MACsec uses GCM-AES-128 or GCM-AES-256 to encrypt the entire payload and authenticate the frame header, ensuring confidentiality and integrity without relying on IP routing. On the Cisco SCOR / CCNP Security Core 350-701 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish Layer 2 security from Layer 3 solutions; a common trap is choosing IPsec, which is for network-layer encryption across routers. Remember the key distinction: MACsec secures the wire, not the packet. A useful memory tip is to think "MACsec = MAC address security at Layer 2," ensuring you associate it with direct switch-to-switch links.
This 350-701 practice question tests your understanding of security concepts. 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.
A network engineer needs to implement a security solution that provides encryption, integrity, and authentication at Layer 2 between two switches. Which technology should be used?
SSL/TLS
Why wrong: SSL/TLS operates at the Transport layer (Layer 4) and is used for securing application traffic.
IPsec
Why wrong: IPsec operates at Layer 3 (Network layer), not Layer 2.
802.1X
Why wrong: 802.1X is a port-based authentication protocol and does not provide encryption or integrity.
MACsec
MACsec provides Layer 2 encryption, integrity, and authentication.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
MACsec
MACsec (IEEE 802.1AE) provides hop-by-hop encryption, integrity, and authentication at Layer 2 (the data link layer) directly on Ethernet frames. It uses GCM-AES-128 or GCM-AES-256 to encrypt the entire payload and authenticate the frame, ensuring confidentiality and integrity between directly connected switches without requiring IP-layer processing.
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.
SSL/TLS
Why it's wrong here
SSL/TLS operates at the Transport layer (Layer 4) and is used for securing application traffic.
IPsec
Why it's wrong here
IPsec operates at Layer 3 (Network layer), not Layer 2.
802.1X
Why it's wrong here
802.1X is a port-based authentication protocol and does not provide encryption or integrity.
MACsec
Why this is correct
MACsec provides Layer 2 encryption, integrity, and authentication.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between Layer 2 encryption (MACsec) and Layer 3 encryption (IPsec), and the trap here is that candidates confuse 'encryption between switches' with IPsec because IPsec is the most commonly known encryption protocol, but it operates at a higher layer and requires IP routing.
Detailed technical explanation
MACsec uses a Connectivity Association Key (CAK) distributed via MKA (MACsec Key Agreement, IEEE 802.1X-2010) to derive secure session keys. Each Ethernet frame is encrypted with a unique Initialization Vector (IV) and a packet number to prevent replay attacks, and the integrity check value (ICV) is appended to the frame. In a real-world data center, MACsec is often used on inter-switch links (e.g., between spine and leaf switches) to prevent eavesdropping or tampering on physical cables, even if an attacker gains physical access to the wiring closet.
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
Security Concepts — This question tests Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: MACsec — MACsec (IEEE 802.1AE) provides hop-by-hop encryption, integrity, and authentication at Layer 2 (the data link layer) directly on Ethernet frames. It uses GCM-AES-128 or GCM-AES-256 to encrypt the entire payload and authenticate the frame, ensuring confidentiality and integrity between directly connected switches without requiring IP-layer processing.
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
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.
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