- A
IKEv1 phase 1 establishes the ISAKMP SA, which is bidirectional.
Phase 1 creates a bidirectional ISAKMP SA used to protect IKE negotiations.
- B
IKEv1 phase 2 uses the crypto isakmp policy to negotiate IPsec SAs.
Why wrong: Phase 2 uses transform sets and crypto maps, not the isakmp policy.
- C
The 'crypto isakmp policy' command configures authentication, encryption, and DH group for phase 1.
This command configures phase 1 parameters like authentication method, encryption algorithm, and Diffie-Hellman group.
- D
IPsec SAs are unidirectional and require two SAs per tunnel.
Why wrong: IPsec SAs are unidirectional, but a typical site-to-site VPN uses two SAs (one inbound, one outbound) per security protocol.
- E
The 'crypto ipsec transform-set' command defines the IKEv1 phase 1 policy.
Why wrong: The transform-set command defines phase 2 parameters, not phase 1.
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 site-to-site VPN configuration using IKEv1 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
IKEv1 phase 1 establishes the ISAKMP SA, which is bidirectional.
IKEv1 phase 1 establishes the ISAKMP Security Association (SA), which is used to securely negotiate the IPsec SAs in phase 2. This ISAKMP SA is bidirectional, meaning a single SA protects both inbound and outbound IKE traffic between the peers.
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.
- ✓
IKEv1 phase 1 establishes the ISAKMP SA, which is bidirectional.
Why this is correct
Phase 1 creates a bidirectional ISAKMP SA used to protect IKE negotiations.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
IKEv1 phase 2 uses the crypto isakmp policy to negotiate IPsec SAs.
Why it's wrong here
Phase 2 uses transform sets and crypto maps, not the isakmp policy.
- ✓
The 'crypto isakmp policy' command configures authentication, encryption, and DH group for phase 1.
Why this is correct
This command configures phase 1 parameters like authentication method, encryption algorithm, and Diffie-Hellman group.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
IPsec SAs are unidirectional and require two SAs per tunnel.
- ✗
The 'crypto ipsec transform-set' command defines the IKEv1 phase 1 policy.
Why it's wrong here
The transform-set command defines phase 2 parameters, not phase 1.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between IKEv1 phase 1 (ISAKMP SA, bidirectional) and phase 2 (IPsec SAs, unidirectional), and candidates frequently confuse which commands apply to each phase, especially the 'crypto isakmp policy' versus 'crypto ipsec transform-set' commands.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The transform-set command defines phase 2 parameters, not phase 1.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
IKEv1 phase 1 can operate in main mode or aggressive mode, with main mode providing identity protection by exchanging six messages. The ISAKMP SA established in phase 1 uses a Diffie-Hellman exchange to generate shared secret keys, and its lifetime is typically configured globally or per policy. In contrast, IPsec SAs are negotiated in phase 2 using quick mode, which creates unidirectional SAs that are refreshed independently.
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: IKEv1 phase 1 establishes the ISAKMP SA, which is bidirectional. — IKEv1 phase 1 establishes the ISAKMP Security Association (SA), which is used to securely negotiate the IPsec SAs in phase 2. This ISAKMP SA is bidirectional, meaning a single SA protects both inbound and outbound IKE traffic between the peers.
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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