The correct statement is that the router has two IKE policies configured, with policy 10 being preferred over policy 20. This is because the output of the `show crypto isakmp policy` command lists protection suites in order of priority, where a lower numerical priority value indicates a higher preference during the IKE phase 1 negotiation process. When two peers attempt to establish an IPsec VPN, they compare their configured IKE policies and select the first matching suite based on this priority order, making policy 10 the primary candidate. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this question tests your ability to interpret IKE policy configuration output and understand the negotiation hierarchy, a common trap being that candidates mistakenly assume the last listed policy is preferred. Remember the memory tip: "Lower number, higher priority" — just like a race, the smallest number finishes first.
300-410 IPsec Site-to-Site VPN Practice Question
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of ipsec site-to-site vpn. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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.
A network engineer runs the following command on Router R1:
R1# show crypto isakmp policy
Global IKE policy
Protection suite of priority 10
encryption algorithm: AES - Advanced Encryption Standard (256 bit keys).
hash algorithm: Secure Hash Standard 2 (SHA256)
authentication method: Pre-Shared Key
Diffie-Hellman group: #14 (2048 bit)
lifetime: 86400 seconds, no volume limit
Protection suite of priority 20
encryption algorithm: AES - Advanced Encryption Standard (128 bit keys).
hash algorithm: Secure Hash Standard 2 (SHA256)
authentication method: Pre-Shared Key
Diffie-Hellman group: #14 (2048 bit)
lifetime: 86400 seconds, no volume limit
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The router has two IKE policies configured; policy 10 will be preferred.
The output shows the configured IKE policies. Both use pre-shared key authentication. This is a normal configuration for IPsecVPN.
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.
✓
The router has two IKE policies configured; policy 10 will be preferred.
Why this is correct
Lower priority number is preferred; policy 10 with AES-256 will be tried first.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The router has no IKE policies configured; the output is empty.
Why it's wrong here
Two policies are clearly shown.
✗
The router uses certificate-based authentication.
Why it's wrong here
The authentication method is Pre-Shared Key.
✗
The Diffie-Hellman group is group 2 (1024 bit).
Why it's wrong here
Group 14 is 2048 bit.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Two policies are clearly shown.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 300-410 question in full detail.
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.
IPsec Site-to-Site VPN — This question tests IPsec Site-to-Site VPN — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The router has two IKE policies configured; policy 10 will be preferred. — The output shows the configured IKE policies. Both use pre-shared key authentication. This is a normal configuration for IPsec VPN.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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