hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
300-410 Practice Question: An engineer configures SNMPv2c with a read-write…
An engineer configures SNMPv2c with a read-write community string 'private' on a router. The NMS can poll interface statistics and modify some objects, but when trying to shut down an interface via SNMP, the NMS receives an error. Which is the most likely explanation?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that all interfaces support the same SNMP write operations, but loopback interfaces are a common exception where ifAdminStatus cannot be changed via SNMP, leading candidates to incorrectly blame the community string or SNMP version.
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 interface is a loopback interface, which does not support the ifAdminStatus transition to down via SNMP.
Loopback interfaces do not support the ifAdminStatus transition to 'down' via SNMP. The ifAdminStatus object (RFC 2863) can be set to 'down' for physical interfaces, but loopback interfaces are virtual and always remain in an 'up' state; attempting to change their administrative status via SNMP results in an error. The NMS can poll and modify other objects because the read-write community string 'private' is correctly configured, but the specific operation of shutting down a loopback interface is not supported.
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 interface is a loopback interface, which does not support the ifAdminStatus transition to down via SNMP.
Why this is correct
Loopback interfaces are virtual and cannot be shut down via SNMP; the MIB returns an error because the operation is not supported.
- ✗
The community string 'private' is read-only, not read-write.
Why it's wrong here
The question states it is configured as read-write.
- ✗
The NMS is using the wrong OID for the interface.
Why it's wrong here
The NMS should use the correct ifIndex; an incorrect OID would result in a 'noSuchName' error, not a generic error.
- ✗
The router requires SNMPv3 for write operations.
Why it's wrong here
SNMPv2c supports write operations with a read-write community string.
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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.