Quick Answer
The answer is GRE, or Generic Routing Encapsulation, which is the default encapsulation type used for transporting mirrored packets across an IP network in ERSPAN. This is correct because ERSPAN, or Encapsulated Remote Switched Port Analyzer, relies on GRE to wrap the original mirrored frame inside a new IP packet, allowing it to traverse Layer 3 boundaries between the source and destination switches. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how remote traffic monitoring works over routed networks, often appearing in questions about ERSPAN configuration or troubleshooting. A common trap is confusing ERSPAN’s GRE encapsulation with the Layer 2 VLAN-based transport used by local SPAN; remember that ERSPAN is specifically designed for IP-routed paths. For a quick memory tip, think “ERSPAN Encapsulates with GRE” to recall that GRE is the default and only encapsulation method for ERSPAN.
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of span, rspan, and erspan. 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.
In ERSPAN, what is the default encapsulation type used for transporting mirrored packets across an IP network?
IPsec
Why wrong: IPsec is not the default; ERSPAN uses GRE.
GRE
ERSPAN uses GRE encapsulation as defined by Cisco.
MPLS
Why wrong: MPLS is not used for ERSPAN encapsulation.
VXLAN
Why wrong: VXLAN is a different technology.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
GRE
ERSPAN uses GRE (Generic Routing Encapsulation) to encapsulate the original packets for transport over an IP network.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
IPsec
Why it's wrong here
IPsec is not the default; ERSPAN uses GRE.
GRE
Why this is correct
ERSPAN uses GRE encapsulation as defined by Cisco.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
MPLS
Why it's wrong here
MPLS is not used for ERSPAN encapsulation.
VXLAN
Why it's wrong here
VXLAN is a different technology.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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.
SPAN, RSPAN, and ERSPAN — study guide chapter
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FAQ
SPAN, RSPAN, and ERSPAN — This question tests SPAN, RSPAN, and ERSPAN — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: GRE — ERSPAN uses GRE (Generic Routing Encapsulation) to encapsulate the original packets for transport over an IP network.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
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.
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