350-401 Infrastructure Practice Question
A network engineer is configuring a new switch stack using Cisco StackWise technology. The engineer wants to ensure that if the stack master fails, another switch takes over with minimal disruption. Which statement accurately describes the failover behavior in a StackWise stack?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that StackWise failover requires a full stack reboot or that the failed master must be replaced immediately, when in fact the standby takes over seamlessly.
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 standby switch becomes the new master without reloading, and other members continue forwarding traffic.
Cisco StackWise provides high availability by allowing a standby switch to take over as master if the active master fails. This failover is designed to be hitless or near-hitless, with other stack members continuing to forward traffic. No reboot of all switches is required, and the failed master does not need immediate replacement. This ensures minimal disruption to network operations.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
All switches in the stack must be rebooted to elect a new master, causing a network outage.
Why it's wrong here
A full stack reboot is not required for master failover. StackWise is designed for high availability, and the standby switch takes over seamlessly. Rebooting all switches would defeat the purpose of stacking and cause unnecessary downtime. This option describes a behavior more typical of older or non-stackable technologies.
- ✗
The stack master election is based on the highest MAC address, and failover requires a reboot of all stack members.
Why it's wrong here
StackWise master election is not based on MAC address; it uses a priority value and then the lowest MAC address as a tiebreaker. Additionally, failover does not require a reboot of all members; the stack continues forwarding traffic with minimal interruption. This option inaccurately describes both the election process and the failover impact.
- ✓
The standby switch becomes the new master without reloading, and other members continue forwarding traffic.
Why this is correct
In a StackWise stack, the standby switch automatically takes over as master if the active master fails. The failover is designed to be hitless or near-hitless, with other stack members continuing to forward traffic without reloading. This provides high availability and minimal disruption, which is a key benefit of StackWise technology.
- ✗
The failed master must be physically replaced before the stack can resume normal operations.
Why it's wrong here
The stack can continue operating with the standby switch as the new master even if the failed master is not immediately replaced. Physical replacement is not a prerequisite for failover. The stack remains functional, and the failed unit can be replaced later without affecting the stack's operation, provided the stack has at least one other member.
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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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