easyMultiple Choice
200-201 Practice Question: Refer to the exhibit
Exhibit
crypto isakmp policy 10 encr aes 256 authentication pre-share group 5
Refer to the exhibit. Which security protocol is being configured?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between IKE phase 1 and phase 2 configuration commands, so the trap here is that candidates see 'crypto isakmp' and incorrectly associate it with SSL VPN or SSH because they overlook the specific protocol hierarchy.
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
✓
IPsec VPN (IKE phase 1)
The exhibit shows the configuration of an IPsec VPN IKE phase 1 policy using the `crypto isakmp policy` command. The parameters set—encryption algorithm (e.g., aes), hash algorithm (e.g., sha), Diffie-Hellman group (e.g., 2), and authentication method (e.g., pre-share)—are all specific to IKE phase 1, which establishes a secure authenticated channel for further key exchange. This is not used for SSL VPN, MACsec, or SSH, as those protocols have distinct configuration syntax and purposes.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
IPsec VPN (IKE phase 1)
Why this is correct
IKE phase 1 negotiates the ISAKMP security association: encryption and hashing algorithms, authentication method, Diffie-Hellman group and lifetime. Those parameters, shown in the exhibit, establish the secure management tunnel before phase 2 builds the IPsec data SAs.
- ✗
SSL VPN
Why it's wrong here
An SSL VPN grants remote users access to internal resources through a browser or client tunnel; the exhibit depicts site-to-site gateway configuration, not remote-access termination. It is tempting because SSL VPNs do encrypt over untrusted networks, and would be correct for mobile or home workers connecting to the corporate network.
- ✗
MACsec
Why it's wrong here
MACsec operates at layer 2, encrypting hop-by-hop Ethernet frames between directly connected devices; it cannot secure traffic across routed layer 3 boundaries shown in the exhibit. It is tempting because MACsec genuinely protects LAN links, and would be correct for switch-to-switch or host-to-switch wire encryption.
- ✗
SSH
Why it's wrong here
SSH secures remote terminal sessions and file transfer, not the exhibit's traffic. It is tempting because SSH does encrypt management access, and it would be correct where the requirement is hardened administrative login to network devices rather than the protocol shown.
Quick reference
VPN Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port | Encryption | Authentication | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IKEv2 / IPsec | UDP 500 / 4500 | AES-256 | Certificates / PSK | Site-to-site & remote access |
| SSL / TLS VPN | TCP 443 | TLS 1.3 | Certificates / MFA | Clientless remote access |
| L2TP / IPsec | UDP 1701 | AES (IPsec) | PSK / Certificates | Legacy remote access |
| WireGuard | UDP 51820 | ChaCha20 | Public keys | Modern high-performance VPN |
| PPTP | TCP 1723 | MPPE (weak) | MS-CHAPv2 | Legacy — avoid in production |
PPTP is considered insecure. IKEv2/IPsec and SSL VPN are the current recommended options.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 200-201 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 200-201 exam.