Quick Answer
The answer is ERSPAN Type II. This is the default encapsulation type on Cisco IOS-XE devices because it uses a streamlined 8-byte overhead—a 4-byte GRE header combined with a 4-byte ERSPAN header—providing the essential metadata for monitoring traffic without unnecessary complexity. Type III encapsulation, which adds a 4-byte sequence number and timestamp, is available only when explicitly configured, making Type II the efficient, out-of-the-box choice. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this topic tests your understanding of how ERSPAN differs from local SPAN and the specific header structures involved. A common trap is assuming that newer devices default to Type III, or confusing the default with the optional advanced version. Remember: Type II is the default because it’s “two times four”—8 bytes total—while Type III requires you to “add three” more bytes of sequence and timestamp.
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of span, rspan, and erspan. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
What is the default ERSPAN encapsulation type on Cisco IOS-XE devices?
ERSPAN Type I
Why wrong: Type I is not supported on IOS-XE; it uses a 6-byte GRE header without a sequence number.
ERSPAN Type II
Type II is the default, with a 4-byte GRE header and 4-byte ERSPAN header, including a sequence number.
ERSPAN Type III
Why wrong: Type III is an optional encapsulation that adds a 12-byte header; it must be explicitly configured.
ERSPAN Type IV
Why wrong: Type IV is not defined in Cisco ERSPAN implementations.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
ERSPAN Type II
ERSPAN defaults to Type II encapsulation, which uses a 4-byte GRE header with a 4-byte ERSPAN header (8 bytes total). Type III is optional and requires explicit configuration.
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.
ERSPAN Type I
Why it's wrong here
Type I is not supported on IOS-XE; it uses a 6-byte GRE header without a sequence number.
ERSPAN Type II
Why this is correct
Type II is the default, with a 4-byte GRE header and 4-byte ERSPAN header, including a sequence number.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
ERSPAN Type III
Why it's wrong here
Type III is an optional encapsulation that adds a 12-byte header; it must be explicitly configured.
ERSPAN Type IV
Why it's wrong here
Type IV is not defined in Cisco ERSPAN implementations.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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 300-410 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 300-410 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
SPAN, RSPAN, and ERSPAN — study guide chapter
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FAQ
SPAN, RSPAN, and ERSPAN — This question tests SPAN, RSPAN, and ERSPAN — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: ERSPAN Type II — ERSPAN defaults to Type II encapsulation, which uses a 4-byte GRE header with a 4-byte ERSPAN header (8 bytes total). Type III is optional and requires explicit configuration.
Identify which 300-410 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
This 300-410 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 300-410 exam.
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