350-401 Network Assurance Practice Question
A network engineer is deploying IP SLA to monitor network performance. The engineer needs to configure an IP SLA operation that measures jitter and packet loss between two Cisco routers. Which two statements are true about configuring IP SLA for this purpose? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that any IP SLA operation can measure jitter or that the responder is configured on the source router, when in fact udp-jitter and a destination responder are required.
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 ip sla responder command must be configured on the destination router.
To measure jitter and packet loss with IP SLA, the engineer should use the udp-jitter operation type and configure the ip sla responder on the destination router. The responder ensures accurate timestamping and response, while scheduling is mandatory to start the operation. The icmp-echo operation does not measure jitter, and the responder belongs on the destination, not the source.
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 ip sla responder command must be configured on the destination router.
Why this is correct
For UDP jitter operations, the destination router must have the ip sla responder command enabled to provide accurate measurements. The responder allows the destination to timestamp incoming packets and return them, enabling the source to calculate jitter and packet loss. Without it, the operation may still function in some cases, but the responder is required for precise jitter and loss statistics, making this statement correct.
- ✓
The operation type udp-jitter is used to measure jitter and packet loss.
Why this is correct
The udp-jitter operation type is specifically designed to measure jitter, packet loss, and latency by sending a series of UDP packets and analyzing their arrival times. This is the correct operation type for the engineer's requirement. Other operation types like icmp-echo do not provide jitter measurements, so this statement is accurate.
- ✗
The ip sla schedule command is optional and only needed for historical data collection.
Why it's wrong here
The ip sla schedule command is mandatory to start the operation. Without scheduling, the IP SLA operation will not run at all. It defines when the operation starts and how long it runs. While it can also control life and start times, it is not optional. Therefore, this statement is incorrect because scheduling is required for any operation to execute.
- ✗
The operation can be configured using the icmp-echo operation type to measure jitter.
Why it's wrong here
The icmp-echo operation type measures round-trip time and packet loss but does not measure jitter. Jitter requires timestamping of multiple packets in a stream, which ICMP echo does not provide. Therefore, using icmp-echo would not fulfill the requirement to measure jitter. This statement is false because it suggests an incorrect operation type for the desired metrics.
- ✗
The ip sla responder command must be configured on the source router.
Why it's wrong here
The ip sla responder is configured on the destination router, not the source. The source router initiates the operation and sends probes, while the destination responds. Placing the responder on the source would not provide any benefit and would not enable the destination to respond correctly. Thus, this statement is incorrect.
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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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