350-401 Network Assurance Practice Question
A network administrator is using Cisco DNA Center Assurance to troubleshoot a client connectivity issue. The client is associated to a wireless controller but cannot reach the default gateway. The administrator notices that the client's onboarding status shows 'DHCP failed'. Which Assurance feature should the administrator use to trace the client's path and identify where DHCP packets are being dropped?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse Path Trace with Network Time Travel or Sensor-driven tests, which provide historical or simulated data rather than real-time hop-by-hop path analysis for a specific client.
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
✓
Path Trace
Path Trace in Cisco DNA Center Assurance is designed to trace the exact path of a client's traffic, including DHCP, through the network. It shows each device and interface the traffic traverses and identifies where packets are dropped. This makes it the ideal tool for troubleshooting a client's DHCP failure by pinpointing the drop location. Other features like Time Travel or Application Experience provide different types of analysis but not hop-by-hop path tracing.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Path Trace
Why this is correct
Path Trace in Cisco DNA Center Assurance visually traces the path of a client's traffic through the network, showing each hop and any drops. It can simulate DHCP requests and responses, highlighting where packets are discarded. This directly addresses the need to identify where DHCP packets are being dropped for the client, making it the correct tool.
- ✗
Application Experience
Why it's wrong here
Application Experience in DNA Center Assurance focuses on application performance metrics, such as latency and packet loss for specific applications. It does not trace the network path of a client's DHCP traffic. While it can indicate network issues, it lacks the granular path visibility needed to pinpoint where DHCP packets are dropped.
- ✗
Sensor-driven tests
Why it's wrong here
Sensor-driven tests use Cisco DNA sensors to simulate client traffic and measure network performance. While they can test DHCP, they do not provide a hop-by-hop path trace of an actual client's traffic. The issue is specific to a real client, so Path Trace is more appropriate. Sensors are better for proactive monitoring, not real-time client troubleshooting.
- ✗
Network Time Travel
Why it's wrong here
Network Time Travel in DNA Center Assurance allows you to view historical network state and client experiences at a specific point in time. While useful for retrospective analysis, it does not provide a step-by-step path trace of a client's traffic to identify where DHCP packets are dropped. The path trace feature is specifically designed for hop-by-hop analysis.
Visual reference
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Related to this question
Learn chapter
Wireless Deployment Models and Security
Key term
Cisco DNA Center Assurance
Cisco DNA Center Assurance is a network monitoring and analytics tool within Cisco's DNA Center platform that provides real-time visibility, proactive alerts, and historical insights into network health, performance, and user experience.
Key term
Cisco DNA Center
A centralized network management and automation platform from Cisco that provides intent-based networking for easier configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting of Cisco devices.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
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