- A
A transform set can specify ESP encryption and ESP authentication simultaneously.
Correct. For example, 'transform-set myset esp-aes esp-sha-hmac' provides both.
- B
In tunnel mode, the original IP header is preserved and a new IP header is added.
Correct. Tunnel mode encapsulates the entire original packet with a new IP header.
- C
Transport mode adds a new IP header to the packet.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Transport mode does not add a new IP header; it only encrypts the payload.
- D
The command 'crypto ipsec security-association lifetime' sets the IKE SA lifetime.
Why wrong: Incorrect. This command sets the IPsec SA lifetime; IKE SA lifetime is set separately.
- E
A single IPsec SA provides bidirectional secure communication.
Why wrong: Incorrect. IPsec SAs are unidirectional; two SAs (one inbound, one outbound) are needed.
300-410 IPsec Site-to-Site VPN Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of ipsec site-to-site vpn. 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.
Which TWO statements about IPsec transform sets and security associations (SAs) are true? (Choose TWO.)
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.
Option A is correct because 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.
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.
- ✓
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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
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.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Incorrect. This command sets the IPsec SA lifetime; IKE SA lifetime is set separately.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In IPsec, a transform set is a combination of security protocols, algorithms, and modes (tunnel or transport) that define how traffic is protected. When ESP is used for both encryption and authentication, the transform set includes both an encryption algorithm and an integrity algorithm (e.g., esp-aes 256 esp-sha-hmac). This is common in modern VPNs to avoid the overhead of combining AH with ESP, as AH authenticates the entire packet including the outer IP header, which can cause issues with NAT traversal.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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IPsec Site-to-Site VPN — study guide chapter
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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: A transform set can specify ESP encryption and ESP authentication simultaneously. — Option A is correct because 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.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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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