- A
A time-range can include both absolute and periodic statements simultaneously.
Correct. A time-range can have one absolute statement and multiple periodic statements; the ACE is active if any of the conditions are met.
- B
The time-range is applied to the entire ACL, not individual ACEs.
Why wrong: Incorrect. The time-range is referenced per ACE using the 'time-range' keyword, so each ACE can have its own time constraint.
- C
If the router's clock is not set, the time-range will be considered active at all times.
Why wrong: Incorrect. If the clock is not set, the time-range is considered inactive, and the ACE will not match any traffic.
- D
The time-range feature can only be used with extended named ACLs, not standard ACLs.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Time-ranges can be used with both standard and extended ACLs, as long as the ACL is named (not numbered).
- E
The time-range must be configured before it is referenced in an ACE.
Correct. The time-range must exist in the configuration; otherwise, the ACE will be rejected with an error.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that the time-range must be configured before it is referenced in an Access Control Entry (ACE). This is because Cisco IOS processes ACLs sequentially, and if the time-range object does not exist when the ACE is applied, the router will reject the configuration, ensuring that the scheduling logic is fully defined before enforcement. The time-range feature allows you to combine both absolute statements, such as a specific start and end date, with periodic statements for recurring days and times, enabling flexible policy scheduling like restricting access to business hours only. On the CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this topic tests your understanding of advanced ACL features and often appears in configuration or troubleshooting scenarios where a candidate must identify why a time-based ACL fails to activate. A common trap is assuming the time-range can be configured after the ACE, or forgetting that the router’s clock must be synchronized via NTP for the feature to work reliably. A helpful memory tip is “Time first, ACE second—like a schedule before a meeting.”
300-410 IPv4 Access Control Lists Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of ipv4 access control lists. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 TWO statements about the 'time-range' feature in IPv4 ACLs are correct? (Choose TWO.)
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 time-range can include both absolute and periodic statements simultaneously.
Option A is correct because the 'time-range' feature in Cisco IOS allows both absolute (specific start/end dates) and periodic (recurring days/times) statements to be combined within a single time-range definition. This enables flexible scheduling, such as allowing traffic only during business hours on weekdays while also specifying an absolute end date for the policy.
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 time-range can include both absolute and periodic statements simultaneously.
Why this is correct
Correct. A time-range can have one absolute statement and multiple periodic statements; the ACE is active if any of the conditions are met.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The time-range is applied to the entire ACL, not individual ACEs.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The time-range is referenced per ACE using the 'time-range' keyword, so each ACE can have its own time constraint.
- ✗
If the router's clock is not set, the time-range will be considered active at all times.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. If the clock is not set, the time-range is considered inactive, and the ACE will not match any traffic.
- ✗
The time-range feature can only be used with extended named ACLs, not standard ACLs.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Time-ranges can be used with both standard and extended ACLs, as long as the ACL is named (not numbered).
- ✓
The time-range must be configured before it is referenced in an ACE.
Why this is correct
Correct. The time-range must exist in the configuration; otherwise, the ACE will be rejected with an error.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that a time-range applies to the entire ACL rather than individual ACEs, leading candidates to incorrectly select option B.
Trap categories for this question
Keyword trap
Incorrect. The time-range is referenced per ACE using the 'time-range' keyword, so each ACE can have its own time constraint.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, the time-range uses the router's system clock (set via NTP or manual configuration) to evaluate whether the current time falls within the defined absolute or periodic parameters. The periodic statement supports keywords like 'weekdays', 'weekend', or specific day ranges, and the absolute statement can include an optional 'end' time. In real-world scenarios, this is critical for implementing time-based security policies, such as blocking non-business traffic after hours, and requires careful NTP synchronization to avoid policy misapplication.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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IPv4 Access Control Lists — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 300-410 question test?
IPv4 Access Control Lists — This question tests IPv4 Access Control Lists — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A time-range can include both absolute and periodic statements simultaneously. — Option A is correct because the 'time-range' feature in Cisco IOS allows both absolute (specific start/end dates) and periodic (recurring days/times) statements to be combined within a single time-range definition. This enables flexible scheduling, such as allowing traffic only during business hours on weekdays while also specifying an absolute end date for the policy.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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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