The answer is that the IP SLA UDP echo timeout occurs because the remote server is not running a UDP service on port 80. HTTP traffic uses TCP port 80, so a UDP echo probe sent to that port will find no listening service, causing the probe to fail with a timeout even when the server is otherwise reachable via ICMP ping. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that IP SLA probes must match the transport protocol actually used by the target service; a common trap is assuming that reachability equals probe success. Remember, ping uses ICMP, not UDP or TCP, so it will succeed regardless of the application layer. For a quick memory tip: “UDP needs a buddy—if no service listens, the probe just misses.”
300-410 IP SLA Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of ip sla. 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.
An engineer configured IP SLA 40 with a UDP echo probe to monitor a remote server port 80. The IP SLA is used in a track object for a backup static route. The engineer observes that the IP SLA state is 'Timeout' even though the server is reachable via ping from the router. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The server is not running a UDP service on port 80; HTTP uses TCP, so the UDP probe will fail.
UDP echo probes require a service listening on the specified port. If the server does not have a UDP service on port 80 (HTTP uses TCP), the probe will timeout.
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.
✗
The router's firewall is blocking UDP packets to the server.
Why it's wrong here
If the router's firewall were blocking, ICMP ping might also fail; the engineer confirmed ping works.
✓
The server is not running a UDP service on port 80; HTTP uses TCP, so the UDP probe will fail.
Why this is correct
UDP echo probes expect a UDP service on the target port. Port 80 is typically TCP, so the probe times out.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The IP SLA frequency is set too high, causing the router to miss responses.
Why it's wrong here
Frequency does not cause timeout; it only affects how often probes are sent.
✗
The track object is misconfigured with the wrong IP SLA number.
Why it's wrong here
The IP SLA state is 'Timeout', indicating the probe is running but failing; the track object is not the issue.
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.
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.
IP SLA — This question tests IP SLA — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The server is not running a UDP service on port 80; HTTP uses TCP, so the UDP probe will fail. — UDP echo probes require a service listening on the specified port. If the server does not have a UDP service on port 80 (HTTP uses TCP), the probe will timeout.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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