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300-410 Practice Question: Which TWO statements about IPsec transform sets…
Which TWO statements about IPsec transform sets and security associations (SAs) are true? (Choose TWO.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that a single SA is bidirectional, but in reality, IPsec SAs are unidirectional and must be paired for two-way communication.
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
✓
A transform set can specify ESP encryption and ESP authentication simultaneously.
An IPsec transform set can specify both ESP encryption (e.g., AES) and ESP authentication (e.g., HMAC-SHA256) simultaneously. This is a standard configuration where ESP provides both confidentiality and integrity/authentication in a single transform set, as defined in RFC 4303.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
A transform set can specify ESP encryption and ESP authentication simultaneously.
Why this is correct
Correct. For example, 'transform-set myset esp-aes esp-sha-hmac' provides both.
- ✓
In tunnel mode, the original IP header is preserved and a new IP header is added.
Why this is correct
Correct. Tunnel mode encapsulates the entire original packet with a new IP header.
- ✗
Transport mode adds a new IP header to the packet.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Transport mode does not add a new IP header; it only encrypts the payload.
- ✗
The command 'crypto ipsec security-association lifetime' sets the IKE SA lifetime.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. This command sets the IPsec SA lifetime; IKE SA lifetime is set separately.
- ✗
A single IPsec SA provides bidirectional secure communication.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. IPsec SAs are unidirectional; two SAs (one inbound, one outbound) are needed.
Quick reference
VPN Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port | Encryption | Authentication | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IKEv2 / IPsec | UDP 500 / 4500 | AES-256 | Certificates / PSK | Site-to-site & remote access |
| SSL / TLS VPN | TCP 443 | TLS 1.3 | Certificates / MFA | Clientless remote access |
| L2TP / IPsec | UDP 1701 | AES (IPsec) | PSK / Certificates | Legacy remote access |
| WireGuard | UDP 51820 | ChaCha20 | Public keys | Modern high-performance VPN |
| PPTP | TCP 1723 | MPPE (weak) | MS-CHAPv2 | Legacy — avoid in production |
PPTP is considered insecure. IKEv2/IPsec and SSL VPN are the current recommended options.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.