350-401 Infrastructure Practice Question
A network engineer is deploying Cisco SD-Access and needs to provide fabric edge nodes with a mapping database for endpoint locations. The fabric uses LISP for control plane and VXLAN for data plane encapsulation. Which component is responsible for maintaining the endpoint-to-edge-node mapping and responding to map requests?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that fabric edge nodes maintain the endpoint mapping database, but they only register endpoints and query the Control Plane Node for resolution.
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
✓
Control Plane Node
In Cisco SD-Access, the Control Plane Node runs the LISP map server and map resolver, maintaining the endpoint-to-RLOC mapping database. Fabric edge nodes query this node to resolve endpoint locations. The Control Plane Node is the central authority for the LISP control plane, enabling scalable endpoint mobility and policy enforcement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Fabric Edge Node
Why it's wrong here
Fabric edge nodes register endpoints with the control plane and encapsulate traffic in VXLAN, but they do not maintain the authoritative mapping database. They query the Control Plane Node for mappings they do not have cached locally. The edge node's role is to connect endpoints and perform encapsulation/decapsulation, not to serve as the mapping authority.
- ✗
Fabric Border Node
Why it's wrong here
Fabric border nodes provide connectivity to external networks and handle VXLAN-to-VLAN or VXLAN-to-VXLAN handoff. They do not maintain the endpoint mapping database. While they may register their own external prefixes, they rely on the Control Plane Node for endpoint location information, similar to edge nodes.
- ✗
Fabric Intermediate Node
Why it's wrong here
Fabric intermediate nodes are part of the underlay and simply forward VXLAN-encapsulated traffic based on outer IP headers. They have no awareness of endpoint mappings or LISP control plane functions. They operate at Layer 3 and do not participate in the LISP mapping system.
- ✓
Control Plane Node
Why this is correct
The Control Plane Node (CPN) runs the LISP map server and map resolver. It maintains the endpoint ID-to-RLOC mapping database and responds to map-requests from fabric edge nodes. When an edge node needs to locate an endpoint, it queries the CPN, which returns the RLOC of the edge node where the endpoint is attached.
Visual reference
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Related to this question
Learn chapter
SDN Controllers and Cisco ACI
Key term
Fabric Fundamentals
Fabric Fundamentals is the set of core concepts behind a network fabric, where switches and routers form a single logical system that simplifies traffic forwarding and automation.
Key term
VXLAN
VXLAN is a network overlay technology that encapsulates Layer 2 Ethernet frames in UDP packets to extend VLANs across Layer 3 networks.
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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
This 350-401 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 350-401 exam.