- A
The APs are in discovery mode and have not yet downloaded their configuration from the WLC.
Correct because lightweight APs initially join the WLC in discovery mode and then download the full configuration, including SSID definitions.
- B
The APs require a separate management IP address to broadcast SSIDs.
Why wrong: Incorrect because APs use the IP address assigned by the WLC; they do not need a separate management IP for SSID broadcast.
- C
The WLC is running an IOS version that does not support the AP model.
Why wrong: Incorrect because if the APs joined the WLC, the IOS version is compatible; otherwise, they would not join at all.
- D
The APs must be rebooted after joining the WLC to start broadcasting SSIDs.
Why wrong: Incorrect because APs do not require a reboot after joining; they begin broadcasting once configured.
Quick Answer
The answer is that the APs are in discovery mode and have not yet downloaded their configuration from the WLC. After conversion to lightweight mode, an autonomous AP loses its local configuration and must obtain a new configuration profile from the WLC, which includes the SSID and radio parameters. Until the AP completes this download process, it remains in a discovery or “unconfigured” state and will not broadcast any SSIDs, even though it has successfully joined the controller. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the lightweight AP lifecycle—specifically that joining the WLC is separate from receiving a configuration. A common trap is assuming the AP needs a reboot or a separate management IP, but the real issue is that the WLC has not yet pushed the configuration to the AP. Memory tip: “Join first, configure second—no config means no SSID.”
350-401 Wireless Infrastructure Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of wireless infrastructure. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 is upgrading a legacy wireless network that uses autonomous access points to a centralized WLC-based architecture. The engineer has installed a Cisco 9800 WLC and is converting the autonomous APs to lightweight mode. After the conversion, the APs join the WLC, but the engineer notices that the APs are not broadcasting any SSIDs. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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 APs are in discovery mode and have not yet downloaded their configuration from the WLC.
The correct answer is that the APs are in discovery mode and have not yet received their configuration from the WLC. In lightweight mode, APs download their configuration from the WLC, including SSID settings. The other options are incorrect: APs do not need a separate management IP, the WLC does not need a specific IOS version for basic operation, and APs do not need to be rebooted again after joining.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
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 APs are in discovery mode and have not yet downloaded their configuration from the WLC.
Why this is correct
Correct because lightweight APs initially join the WLC in discovery mode and then download the full configuration, including SSID definitions.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✗
The APs require a separate management IP address to broadcast SSIDs.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because APs use the IP address assigned by the WLC; they do not need a separate management IP for SSID broadcast.
- ✗
The WLC is running an IOS version that does not support the AP model.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because if the APs joined the WLC, the IOS version is compatible; otherwise, they would not join at all.
- ✗
The APs must be rebooted after joining the WLC to start broadcasting SSIDs.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because APs do not require a reboot after joining; they begin broadcasting once configured.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
- Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
- The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
- Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
- Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
- Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A network engineer segments a warehouse floor into three subnets: 20 scanners, 5 printers, and 2 management hosts. Picking the wrong mask wastes addresses or leaves too few usable hosts. Exam questions test whether you can apply CIDR notation, calculate block size, and identify the correct usable-host range for a given prefix.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 350-401 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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Wireless Infrastructure — study guide chapter
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Wireless Infrastructure practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
Wireless Infrastructure — This question tests Wireless Infrastructure — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The APs are in discovery mode and have not yet downloaded their configuration from the WLC. — The correct answer is that the APs are in discovery mode and have not yet received their configuration from the WLC. In lightweight mode, APs download their configuration from the WLC, including SSID settings. The other options are incorrect: APs do not need a separate management IP, the WLC does not need a specific IOS version for basic operation, and APs do not need to be rebooted again after joining.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 350-401 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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.
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