- A
HSRP allows two or more routers to share a virtual IP address, providing default gateway redundancy.
Correct because HSRP enables a group of routers to present a single virtual gateway, with one active and one standby.
- B
HSRP automatically load-balances traffic across all routers in the group.
Why wrong: Incorrect because HSRP uses active/standby; load balancing requires multiple groups or GLBP.
- C
StackWise Virtual allows two physical switches to operate as a single logical switch for redundancy.
Correct because StackWise Virtual combines two switches into one control plane, simplifying management and providing link redundancy.
- D
A single uplink from an access switch to the distribution layer is sufficient for high availability.
Why wrong: Incorrect because a single uplink is a single point of failure; high availability requires redundant links.
- E
Redundant links between switches do not require Spanning Tree Protocol to prevent loops.
Why wrong: Incorrect because redundant links create physical loops; STP is essential to block redundant paths and prevent broadcast storms.
Quick Answer
The correct choices are that HSRP provides active/standby default gateway redundancy and StackWise Virtual allows two physical switches to operate as a single logical switch for resilience. HSRP, as a First Hop Redundancy Protocol, ensures a backup gateway takes over seamlessly if the primary fails, while StackWise Virtual virtualizes hardware to eliminate single-device failure points and simplify management. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this topic tests your understanding of high availability design principles, often pairing a FHRP concept with a stacking or virtualization technology. A common trap is assuming HSRP load-balances by default—it does not; that is GLBP’s role. Another trap is thinking a single redundant link is sufficient, but true high availability requires both redundant links and loop prevention like STP. Memory tip: “HSRP is hot standby, not load sharing; StackWise makes two act as one.”
350-401 Enterprise Network Design Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of enterprise network design. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which two statements about network design for high availability are true? (Choose two.)
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
HSRP allows two or more routers to share a virtual IP address, providing default gateway redundancy.
High availability design aims to minimize downtime through redundancy and fast convergence. First Hop Redundancy Protocols (FHRP) like HSRP, VRRP, or GLBP provide default gateway redundancy. StackWise Virtual allows switches to operate as a single logical device, improving redundancy and simplifying management. Option A is correct because HSRP provides active/standby gateway redundancy. Option C is correct because StackWise Virtual virtualizes two switches into one, reducing complexity and improving resilience. Option B is incorrect because HSRP does not provide load balancing by default (GLBP does). Option D is incorrect because a single uplink is a single point of failure; high availability requires redundant links. Option E is incorrect because redundant links without STP or loop prevention would cause broadcast storms; STP is essential.
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.
- ✓
HSRP allows two or more routers to share a virtual IP address, providing default gateway redundancy.
- ✗
HSRP automatically load-balances traffic across all routers in the group.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because HSRP uses active/standby; load balancing requires multiple groups or GLBP.
- ✓
StackWise Virtual allows two physical switches to operate as a single logical switch for redundancy.
Why this is correct
Correct because StackWise Virtual combines two switches into one control plane, simplifying management and providing link redundancy.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✗
A single uplink from an access switch to the distribution layer is sufficient for high availability.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because a single uplink is a single point of failure; high availability requires redundant links.
- ✗
Redundant links between switches do not require Spanning Tree Protocol to prevent loops.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because redundant links create physical loops; STP is essential to block redundant paths and prevent broadcast storms.
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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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
Enterprise Network Design — This question tests Enterprise Network Design — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: HSRP allows two or more routers to share a virtual IP address, providing default gateway redundancy. — High availability design aims to minimize downtime through redundancy and fast convergence. First Hop Redundancy Protocols (FHRP) like HSRP, VRRP, or GLBP provide default gateway redundancy. StackWise Virtual allows switches to operate as a single logical device, improving redundancy and simplifying management. Option A is correct because HSRP provides active/standby gateway redundancy. Option C is correct because StackWise Virtual virtualizes two switches into one, reducing complexity and improving resilience. Option B is incorrect because HSRP does not provide load balancing by default (GLBP does). Option D is incorrect because a single uplink is a single point of failure; high availability requires redundant links. Option E is incorrect because redundant links without STP or loop prevention would cause broadcast storms; STP is essential.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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