mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
300-410 Practice Question: Given the following partial configuration on…
Given the following partial configuration on router R1:
crypto isakmp policy 10
encryption aes 256 authentication pre-share group 14 lifetime 86400 !
crypto isakmp key cisco123 address 192.168.1.2
!
crypto ipsec transform-set TSET esp-aes 256 esp-sha-hmac
mode tunnel !
crypto map CMAP 10 ipsec-isakmp
set peer 192.168.1.2 set transform-set TSET match address 101 !
interface GigabitEthernet0/1 ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0 crypto map CMAP
!
access-list 101 permit ip 10.1.1.0 0.0.0.255 10.2.2.0 0.0.0.255
What is the effect of this configuration?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that a crypto map tunnel requires the peer to initiate first, but the default behavior is that the local router initiates when interesting traffic is sent, unless 'responder-only' is configured.
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
✓
IPsec tunnel is established when traffic from 10.1.1.0/24 to 10.2.2.0/24 triggers it.
The configuration uses a crypto map with 'match address 101' referencing an ACL that permits traffic from 10.1.1.0/24 to 10.2.2.0/24. This triggers IPsec SA negotiation via ISAKMP (IKEv1) only when interesting traffic is detected. The tunnel is established dynamically upon matching traffic, which is the standard behavior for a site-to-site VPN using a crypto map.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
IPsec tunnel is established when traffic from 10.1.1.0/24 to 10.2.2.0/24 triggers it.
Why this is correct
ACL 101 defines interesting traffic; once matched, IKE and IPsec negotiations begin.
- ✗
The tunnel will only be established if the peer initiates first.
Why it's wrong here
The configuration allows either side to initiate, as long as interesting traffic is detected.
- ✗
The transform set uses AES 256 with MD5 authentication, which is incorrect.
Why it's wrong here
The transform set uses esp-sha-hmac, which is SHA, not MD5.
- ✗
ISAKMP lifetime is set to 86400 seconds, which is too short for a site-to-site VPN.
Why it's wrong here
86400 seconds (24 hours) is a common default and acceptable for site-to-site VPNs.
Visual reference
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.