The correct next step is to verify that the syslog port (UDP 514) is not blocked by a firewall or ACL. Even when the Cisco DNA Center syslog collector is enabled and the core switch is configured to send syslog to the DNA Center’s IP address, a common oversight is that network security policies or access control lists between the devices may be dropping the UDP 514 traffic. This scenario tests your understanding of how DNA Center ingests syslog messages and the importance of end-to-end Layer 4 connectivity, a frequent troubleshooting focus on the ENCOR 350-401 exam. A common trap is assuming the issue is with the switch configuration or the collector service itself, when in fact the problem lies in the network path. Remember the memory tip: “Syslog on 514, don’t let the firewall frustrate.”
350-401 Cisco DNA Center Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of cisco dna center. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 troubleshooting a problem where Cisco DNA Center is not receiving syslog messages from a critical core switch. The switch is configured to send syslog to the DNA Center's IP address. The engineer checks the DNA Center syslog collector and finds that it is enabled. What should the engineer check next?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Verify that the syslog port (UDP 514) is not blocked by a firewall or ACL.
Cisco DNA Center's syslog collector listens on specific ports (default UDP 514). If the switch is configured to send syslog but DNA Center is not receiving it, a common issue is that the syslog port is blocked by a firewall or ACL between the switch and DNA Center. The engineer should verify network connectivity and port accessibility.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Verify that the syslog port (UDP 514) is not blocked by a firewall or ACL.
Why this is correct
Correct because syslog uses UDP 514, and if the port is blocked, messages will not reach DNA Center.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Check if the syslog messages are in the correct format.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because DNA Center accepts standard syslog formats; format issues would not prevent all messages from being received.
✗
Ensure that the switch is in the Inventory and managed by DNA Center.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because syslog collection does not require the device to be in Inventory; it is a separate function.
✗
Restart the syslog collector service on DNA Center.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the collector is enabled, so restarting it is unlikely to resolve a connectivity issue.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 350-401 question in full detail.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 350-401 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Cisco DNA Center — This question tests Cisco DNA Center — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Verify that the syslog port (UDP 514) is not blocked by a firewall or ACL. — Cisco DNA Center's syslog collector listens on specific ports (default UDP 514). If the switch is configured to send syslog but DNA Center is not receiving it, a common issue is that the syslog port is blocked by a firewall or ACL between the switch and DNA Center. The engineer should verify network connectivity and port accessibility.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 350-401 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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