The answer is that the switch maintains a mapping table that associates IP addresses with SGTs for TrustSec policy enforcement. This output from the show cts role-based sgt-map command directly displays the Active IPv4-SGT Mapping Table, where each IP address is linked to a specific Security Group Tag (SGT) value, such as 192.168.1.10 mapped to SGT 10. These mappings are critical for Cisco TrustSec role-based access control, as the SGTs classify traffic and enforce policies based on user or device identity rather than just IP addresses. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this command tests your understanding of how TrustSec dynamically builds and uses this table for policy enforcement; a common trap is confusing this static mapping with dynamic SGT assignment via ISE or assuming the table shows routing information. Remember the memory tip: SGT stands for Security Group Tag, and this command shows the IP-to-tag “phonebook” that the switch uses to apply role-based policies.
350-401 802.1X and TrustSec Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of 802.1x and trustsec. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 runs the following command on switch SW2:
SW2# show cts role-based sgt-map
Active IPv4-SGT Mapping Table:
IP Address SGT
192.168.1.10 10
192.168.1.20 20
192.168.1.30 30
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The switch maintains a mapping table that associates IP addresses with SGTs for TrustSec policy enforcement.
The command shows the mapping of IP addresses to Security Group Tags (SGTs) in a TrustSec environment. Each IP is associated with a specific SGT value, which is used for role-based access control.
Key principle: A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
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 switch is using 802.1X to assign SGTs to endpoints.
Why it's wrong here
The output does not show how the mappings were learned; they could be static or dynamic.
✗
The switch has a static mapping of IP addresses to SGTs.
Why it's wrong here
The output does not indicate whether the mappings are static or learned via SGT Exchange Protocol.
✓
The switch maintains a mapping table that associates IP addresses with SGTs for TrustSec policy enforcement.
Why this is correct
This is exactly what the show cts role-based sgt-map command displays.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
✗
The switch is using MAB to assign SGTs to endpoints.
Why it's wrong here
The output does not mention MAB or any authentication method.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: an active trunk can still block the VLAN you need
A trunk being up does not prove every VLAN is crossing it. Check allowed VLAN lists, native VLAN mismatch, VLAN existence and access-port assignment.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The output does not show how the mappings were learned; they could be static or dynamic.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
VLAN questions usually combine access-port and trunking clues. The key is to identify whether the issue is local to one switchport, caused by the trunk, or caused by the VLAN not existing where it needs to exist.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
Trunk ports carry multiple VLANs between switches.
Allowed VLAN lists decide which VLANs can cross a trunk.
Native VLAN mismatch can create confusing symptoms.
TExam Day Tips
→Use show vlan brief to verify access VLANs.
→Use show interfaces trunk to verify trunk state and allowed VLANs.
→Do not treat every same-VLAN issue as a routing problem.
Key takeaway
A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 350-401 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
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 VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 350-401 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
802.1X and TrustSec — This question tests 802.1X and TrustSec — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The switch maintains a mapping table that associates IP addresses with SGTs for TrustSec policy enforcement. — The command shows the mapping of IP addresses to Security Group Tags (SGTs) in a TrustSec environment. Each IP is associated with a specific SGT value, which is used for role-based access control.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 350-401 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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