The correct answer is that IKE phase 1 is complete and the ISAKMP SA is established, as indicated by the QM_IDLE state in the show crypto isakmp sa output. This state confirms that the two peers have successfully negotiated the ISAKMP policy, including authentication and key exchange, and the SA is now idle, waiting to be used for IKE phase 2 quick mode negotiations. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, interpreting this output tests your understanding of IPsec VPN lifecycle states, where QM_IDLE is the normal, healthy status for an active ISAKMP SA—a common trap is confusing it with a failed or incomplete phase 1, but QM_IDLE explicitly means phase 1 succeeded. A useful memory tip: think “QM” for “Quick Mode ready,” signaling the tunnel is primed for phase 2.
300-410 IPsec Site-to-Site VPN Practice Question
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:
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
IKE phase 1 is complete; the ISAKMP SA is established.
QM_IDLE indicates that IKE phase 1 (ISAKMP) is complete and the SA is idle, waiting for phase 2 negotiation. This is the normal state for an established ISAKMP SA.
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.
✓
IKE phase 1 is complete; the ISAKMP SA is established.
Why this is correct
QM_IDLE means the SA is up and ready for quick mode (phase 2).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
IKE phase 2 is complete; the IPsec SA is active.
Why it's wrong here
QM_IDLE is for ISAKMP SA, not IPsec SA; IPsec SA is shown via show crypto ipsec sa.
✗
The ISAKMP SA is in MM_NO_STATE; negotiation has failed.
Why it's wrong here
QM_IDLE is a success state, not a failure state.
✗
The tunnel is down; the SA is in a dead state.
Why it's wrong here
QM_IDLE with ACTIVE status indicates the SA is alive.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
QM_IDLE is for ISAKMP SA, not IPsec SA; IPsec SA is shown via show crypto ipsec sa.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
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.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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.
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.
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: IKE phase 1 is complete; the ISAKMP SA is established. — QM_IDLE indicates that IKE phase 1 (ISAKMP) is complete and the SA is idle, waiting for phase 2 negotiation. This is the normal state for an established ISAKMP SA.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
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.
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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