hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
300-410 Practice Question: When using the 'access-group' command to apply an…
When using the 'access-group' command to apply an ACL to an interface, what is the default direction if none is specified?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that Cisco often tests the misconception that ACLs default to inbound when no direction is specified, but the command is actually rejected without the mandatory keyword.
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
✓
The command is rejected without a direction keyword.
The 'access-group' command in Cisco IOS requires a direction keyword (either 'in' or 'out') to specify whether the ACL filters inbound or outbound traffic. If no direction is provided, the command is rejected with an error message because the direction is a mandatory parameter. This behavior is consistent across all Cisco IOS versions and platforms.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Inbound
Why it's wrong here
No default direction; the keyword is mandatory.
- ✗
Outbound
Why it's wrong here
No default direction; the keyword is mandatory.
- ✗
The command defaults to inbound.
Why it's wrong here
Cisco IOS requires explicit direction.
- ✓
The command is rejected without a direction keyword.
Why this is correct
The access-group command syntax requires either 'in' or 'out'.
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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.