Question 1mediumdrag order
Read the full VPN explanation →Question 223 of 2,152
Quick Answer
The correct order for IKEv2 negotiation steps is IKE_SA_INIT, IKE_AUTH, CREATE_CHILD_SA, then verify IPsec tunnel status. This sequence is correct because IKEv2 splits the process into two distinct phases: Phase 1 begins with the IKE_SA_INIT exchange, which establishes a secure, encrypted channel by negotiating cryptographic parameters and generating Diffie-Hellman keys, followed immediately by IKE_AUTH, where both peers authenticate each other and exchange identities to complete the initial IKE SA. Phase 2 then uses the CREATE_CHILD_SA exchange to negotiate the actual IPsec security associations for data traffic, and the final step installs those SAs into the data plane, which is verified by checking the tunnel status. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this drag-and-drop question tests your understanding of the IKEv2 state machine and the critical distinction that IKE_AUTH must occur before any child SA negotiation. A common trap is confusing IKE_AUTH with Phase 2, but remember: authentication always comes before encryption of data traffic. A useful memory tip is "Initiate, Authenticate, Create, Verify" to lock in the order.
300-410 IPsec Site-to-Site VPN Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of ipsec site-to-site vpn. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Drag and drop the steps to negotiate an IKEv2 IPsec site-to-site tunnel into the correct order, from first to last.
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"first"Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Initiate IKE_SA_INIT exchange
IKEv2 negotiation begins with Phase 1 (IKE_SA_INIT) to establish a secure channel, followed by IKE_AUTH to authenticate and exchange identities. Phase 2 (CREATE_CHILD_SA) then negotiates the IPsec SA, and the final step installs the IPsec security associations into the data plane.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
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IPsec Site-to-Site VPN — study guide chapter
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IPsec Site-to-Site VPN practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 300-410 question test?
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: Initiate IKE_SA_INIT exchange — IKEv2 negotiation begins with Phase 1 (IKE_SA_INIT) to establish a secure channel, followed by IKE_AUTH to authenticate and exchange identities. Phase 2 (CREATE_CHILD_SA) then negotiates the IPsec SA, and the final step installs the IPsec security associations into the data plane.
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: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 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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