The answer is that the NMS is not configured to respond to SNMP informs, so the router does not receive acknowledgment. SNMPv3 informs differ from traps because they require the NMS to send back a confirmation receipt; without this acknowledgment, the router will repeatedly retransmit the inform until it times out and fails. The router’s configuration is correct, with the group, user, and host statements properly set for informs, so the issue lies entirely on the NMS side—it must support inform processing and be configured to reply. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the SNMPv3 inform mechanism versus traps, a common point of confusion where candidates assume the problem is always on the router. A helpful memory tip: “Informs need confirms—if the NMS doesn’t reply, the router’s cry goes by.”
300-410 SNMP Troubleshooting Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of snmp troubleshooting. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
An engineer is troubleshooting why SNMPv3 informs are not being received by the NMS from router R6. The configuration includes 'snmp-server group ADMIN v3 priv', 'snmp-server user admin ADMIN v3 auth sha cisco123 priv aes 128 cisco456', and 'snmp-server host 10.1.1.100 informs version 3 priv admin'. The NMS can receive SNMPv3 traps from other routers. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The NMS is not configured to respond to SNMP informs, so the router does not receive acknowledgment.
SNMP informs require a response from the NMS, and the NMS must be configured to send back an acknowledgment. If the NMS does not support informs or has not enabled inform processing, the router will keep retrying and eventually fail. The router's configuration is correct, so the issue is on the NMS side.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
The NMS is not configured to respond to SNMP informs, so the router does not receive acknowledgment.
Why this is correct
Correct because informs require an acknowledgment; if the NMS does not support it, informs fail.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
The 'snmp-server host' command should use 'traps' instead of 'informs' for SNMPv3.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because SNMPv3 supports both traps and informs; the command syntax is valid.
✗
The router needs the 'snmp-server enable informs' command globally.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because 'snmp-server host informs' enables informs; no separate global command is needed.
✗
The SNMPv3 user must have the 'auth' privilege instead of 'priv' to send informs.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because informs can use any security level; 'priv' is acceptable.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Incorrect because SNMPv3 supports both traps and informs; the command syntax is valid.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 300-410 question in full detail.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 300-410 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
SNMP Troubleshooting — This question tests SNMP Troubleshooting — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The NMS is not configured to respond to SNMP informs, so the router does not receive acknowledgment. — SNMP informs require a response from the NMS, and the NMS must be configured to send back an acknowledgment. If the NMS does not support informs or has not enabled inform processing, the router will keep retrying and eventually fail. The router's configuration is correct, so the issue is on the NMS side.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 300-410 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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