Question 1,022 of 2,152

NetFlow and Flexible NetFlow →hardMultiple SelectObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The correct answer is that the `ip flow-cache timeout active` command modifies the active timeout value for long-lived flows. This is because the NetFlow flow cache holds active flows until they are marked inactive after 15 seconds of no packets, or until they exceed the 30-minute active timeout, at which point they are exported to the collector. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this topic tests your understanding of how flow export timing balances memory usage and data accuracy, often appearing in a "choose three" format where common traps include assuming export only happens when the cache is full or that the inactive timeout is longer than the active timeout. A key memory tip is to remember "30 minutes active, 15 seconds inactive"—the active timer is for long-lived flows, while the inactive timer catches short-lived ones.

300-410 NetFlow and Flexible NetFlow Practice Question

This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of netflow and flexible netflow. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 THREE statements about the NetFlow flow cache and export timing are correct? (Choose THREE.)

Question 1hardmulti select

Read the full network assurance explanation →

A
A flow is exported when it has been idle for the inactive timeout period, which defaults to 15 seconds.
Correct. The inactive timeout triggers export when no packets match the flow for the configured period; default is 15 seconds.
B
The default active flow timeout is 30 minutes, after which a long-lived flow is exported even if it is still active.
Correct. The active timeout ensures that long flows are reported periodically; default is 30 minutes.
C
Flows are only exported when the flow cache becomes 100% full.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Flows are exported based on timeouts, not cache fullness. When the cache is full, the router may force-export the oldest flows, but this is not the only trigger.
D
The 'ip flow-cache timeout active' command can be used to change the active timeout value.
Correct. This command modifies the active timeout (in minutes). The inactive timeout is changed with 'ip flow-cache timeout inactive'.
E
The maximum number of flow cache entries is fixed at 64,000 and cannot be changed.
Why wrong: Incorrect. The cache size is configurable using 'ip flow-cache entries' and varies by platform; 64,000 is a common default but not a fixed maximum.

Full breakdown with real-world context →

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 flow is exported when it has been idle for the inactive timeout period, which defaults to 15 seconds.

The NetFlow flow cache stores active flows. Flows are exported when they become inactive (no new packets for a timeout period) or when they are long-lived (active timeout). The default active timeout is 30 minutes, and the default inactive timeout is 15 seconds. When the cache is full, the router may force-export the oldest flows to make room. The cache size is configurable but has a hardware-dependent maximum. Flow export does not wait for the cache to be full before exporting.

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 flow is exported when it has been idle for the inactive timeout period, which defaults to 15 seconds.
Why this is correct
Correct. The inactive timeout triggers export when no packets match the flow for the configured period; default is 15 seconds.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
The default active flow timeout is 30 minutes, after which a long-lived flow is exported even if it is still active.
Why this is correct
Correct. The active timeout ensures that long flows are reported periodically; default is 30 minutes.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Flows are only exported when the flow cache becomes 100% full.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Flows are exported based on timeouts, not cache fullness. When the cache is full, the router may force-export the oldest flows, but this is not the only trigger.
✓
The 'ip flow-cache timeout active' command can be used to change the active timeout value.
Why this is correct
Correct. This command modifies the active timeout (in minutes). The inactive timeout is changed with 'ip flow-cache timeout inactive'.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The maximum number of flow cache entries is fixed at 64,000 and cannot be changed.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The cache size is configurable using 'ip flow-cache entries' and varies by platform; 64,000 is a common default but not a fixed maximum.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.

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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.

TExam Day Tips

Underline the problem statement mentally.
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 300-410 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this 300-410 question test?

NetFlow and Flexible NetFlow — This question tests NetFlow and Flexible NetFlow — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: A flow is exported when it has been idle for the inactive timeout period, which defaults to 15 seconds. — The NetFlow flow cache stores active flows. Flows are exported when they become inactive (no new packets for a timeout period) or when they are long-lived (active timeout). The default active timeout is 30 minutes, and the default inactive timeout is 15 seconds. When the cache is full, the router may force-export the oldest flows to make room. The cache size is configurable but has a hardware-dependent maximum. Flow export does not wait for the cache to be full before exporting.

What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?

What is the key concept behind this question?

Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

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