The answer is configuring an IKEv2 proposal and an IKEv2 keyring. The proposal is required because it defines the encryption and integrity algorithms—such as AES-256 and SHA-256—that both peers must agree on during IKEv2 Phase 1 negotiation to establish the IKE SA. The keyring is equally essential because it stores the pre-shared key (PSK) that the router uses to authenticate the remote peer; without it, the router has no local credential to present or verify. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this question tests your understanding of the mandatory building blocks for IKEv2 IPsec site-to-site VPNs, and a common trap is confusing the keyring with the IKEv2 profile or policy—remember that the profile binds the keyring and proposal together, but the proposal and keyring themselves are the two non-negotiable components. A helpful memory tip: think of the proposal as the “what” (algorithms) and the keyring as the “who” (shared secret).
300-410 IPsec Site-to-Site VPN Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of ipsec site-to-site vpn. 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.
Which TWO configuration steps are required to enable IPsec site-to-site VPN with IKEv2 on a Cisco router? (Choose TWO.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure an IKEv2 keyring with the pre-shared key.
Option A is correct because an IKEv2 keyring stores the pre-shared key (PSK) used for authenticating the remote peer during IKEv2 SA establishment. Without a keyring, the router has no local credential to present or verify against the peer. Option B is correct because an IKEv2 proposal defines the mandatory encryption (e.g., AES-256) and integrity (e.g., SHA-256) algorithms that both peers must agree on for the IKEv2 Phase 1 (IKE SA) negotiation.
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.
✓
Configure an IKEv2 keyring with the pre-shared key.
Why this is correct
The keyring stores the pre-shared key used for authentication in IKEv2.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Configure an IKEv2 proposal specifying encryption and integrity algorithms.
Why this is correct
The IKEv2 proposal defines the cryptographic parameters for phase 1.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Configure a crypto isakmp policy for phase 1.
Why it's wrong here
Crypto isakmp policy is used for IKEv1, not IKEv2.
✗
Configure an IKEv2 profile and bind it to the crypto map.
Why it's wrong here
While an IKEv2 profile is often used, it is not strictly required; the keyring and proposal are essential.
✗
Configure the 'crypto ipsec transform-set' command.
Why it's wrong here
Transform sets are used for phase 2, not phase 1, and are required but not among the 'steps to enable' in the context of the question.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between IKEv1 and IKEv2 commands, so the trap here is that candidates mistakenly select 'crypto isakmp policy' (IKEv1) instead of the IKEv2-specific 'crypto ikev2 proposal' and 'crypto ikev2 keyring' commands.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
IKEv2 uses a separate keyring database (configured under 'crypto ikev2 keyring') that can hold multiple pre-shared keys per peer, unlike IKEv1's single global PSK. The IKEv2 proposal must match exactly on both peers for the IKE SA to form; if the proposal lists multiple transforms, the responder selects the first matching one. In a real-world scenario, misconfigured keyring PSK values or mismatched proposal algorithms are the most common causes of IKEv2 tunnel failures.
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 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 300-410 question in full detail.
IPsec Site-to-Site VPN — This question tests IPsec Site-to-Site VPN — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure an IKEv2 keyring with the pre-shared key. — Option A is correct because an IKEv2 keyring stores the pre-shared key (PSK) used for authenticating the remote peer during IKEv2 SA establishment. Without a keyring, the router has no local credential to present or verify against the peer. Option B is correct because an IKEv2 proposal defines the mandatory encryption (e.g., AES-256) and integrity (e.g., SHA-256) algorithms that both peers must agree on for the IKEv2 Phase 1 (IKE SA) negotiation.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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