Quick Answer
The correct statement is that both transform sets use tunnel mode, while ESP-AES256-SHA employs stronger encryption. This is because the output from the show crypto ipsec transform-set command displays each configured transform set with its associated encryption and authentication algorithms, followed by the negotiation mode. The line “will negotiate = { Tunnel, }” explicitly confirms that both sets are set to tunnel mode, which is the default for IPsec VPNs on Cisco devices. The first set uses esp-256-aes (AES-256) and esp-sha256-hmac, whereas the second uses esp-aes (AES-128) with the same HMAC, making the first cryptographically stronger. On the CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this command tests your ability to read transform-set configuration and identify mode and algorithm strength—a common trap is assuming the absence of a mode keyword means transport mode, but tunnel is the default. Remember the memory tip: “If you see ‘Tunnel’ in the braces, you’re in the right place for site-to-site cases.”
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of ipsec site-to-site vpn. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 runs the following command on Router R1:
R1# show crypto ipsec transform-set
Transform set ESP-AES256-SHA: { esp-256-aes esp-sha256-hmac } will negotiate = { Tunnel, },
Transform set ESP-AES128-SHA: { esp-aes esp-sha256-hmac } will negotiate = { Tunnel, },
Based on this output, which statement is correct?
Both transform sets use tunnel mode; ESP-AES256-SHA uses stronger encryption.
ESP-AES256-SHA uses 256-bit AES, which is stronger than 128-bit.
The transform sets use transport mode.
Why wrong: The output shows 'Tunnel' mode.
The transform sets use MD5 for hashing.
Why wrong: They use SHA256, not MD5.
The transform sets are not compatible with IKEv2.
Why wrong: They are compatible with both IKEv1 and IKEv2.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Both transform sets use tunnel mode; ESP-AES256-SHA uses stronger encryption.
The output shows two transform sets configured. The first uses AES-256 with SHA256 HMAC, the second uses AES-128 with SHA256 HMAC. Both use tunnel mode.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Both transform sets use tunnel mode; ESP-AES256-SHA uses stronger encryption.
Why this is correct
ESP-AES256-SHA uses 256-bit AES, which is stronger than 128-bit.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
The transform sets use transport mode.
Why it's wrong here
The output shows 'Tunnel' mode.
The transform sets use MD5 for hashing.
Why it's wrong here
They use SHA256, not MD5.
The transform sets are not compatible with IKEv2.
Why it's wrong here
They are compatible with both IKEv1 and IKEv2.
Common exam traps
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The output shows 'Tunnel' mode.
Detailed technical explanation
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 300-410 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
IPsec Site-to-Site VPN — study guide chapter
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FAQ
IPsec Site-to-Site VPN — This question tests IPsec Site-to-Site VPN — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: Both transform sets use tunnel mode; ESP-AES256-SHA uses stronger encryption. — The output shows two transform sets configured. The first uses AES-256 with SHA256 HMAC, the second uses AES-128 with SHA256 HMAC. Both use tunnel mode.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 300-410 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Same concept, more angles
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Variation 1. A network engineer runs the following command to troubleshoot an IPsec Site-to-Site VPN issue: R1# show crypto ipsec transform-set Transform set combined-des-sha: { esp-des esp-sha-hmac } will negotiate = { Tunnel, }, Transform set myset: { esp-3des esp-sha-hmac } will negotiate = { Tunnel, }, Transform set strong: { esp-aes 256 esp-sha-hmac } will negotiate = { Tunnel, }, What does this output indicate?
easyWhy B: The output shows three transform sets, including 'combined-des-sha', which uses DES (Data Encryption Standard) with a 56-bit key. DES is considered cryptographically weak and has been deprecated due to known vulnerabilities, such as susceptibility to brute-force attacks. Cisco recommends using AES or 3DES as a minimum for production IPsec VPNs, making option B correct.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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