The answer is that the load-balancing method uses both source and destination IP addresses. This is correct because the `show etherchannel load-balance` output explicitly displays `src-dst-ip` as both the configured and operational state, meaning the switch hashes the source and destination IP pair to select a member link for each flow, ensuring that all packets in a single session follow the same physical port while distributing different sessions across the bundle. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this command tests your understanding of how EtherChannel distributes traffic at Layer 3, and a common trap is confusing `src-dst-ip` with `src-dst-mac`—the former operates at the network layer, the latter at the data link layer. Remember that `src-dst-ip` provides better load distribution for routed traffic, while `src-dst-mac` is used for switched traffic. A helpful memory tip: think of "IP" as "Internet Protocol" for routing, so `src-dst-ip` is the go-to for Layer 3 EtherChannel load balancing.
350-401 EtherChannel Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of etherchannel. 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 SW3:
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The load-balancing method is based on source and destination IP addresses.
The output shows that both the configured and operational load-balancing method is 'src-dst-ip', which means the switch uses source and destination IP addresses to determine which member port to use for each flow. This is a common and valid method. The correct answer is that the load-balancing method uses both source and destination IP addresses.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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 uses source MAC and destination MAC for load balancing.
Why it's wrong here
The output explicitly states 'src-dst-ip', not MAC.
✓
The load-balancing method is based on source and destination IP addresses.
Why this is correct
The output confirms 'src-dst-ip' as the method.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
The operational state differs from the configured state, indicating a problem.
Why it's wrong here
Both states match, so there is no mismatch.
✗
The switch is using round-robin to distribute traffic across ports.
Why it's wrong here
Round-robin is not a standard EtherChannel load-balancing method.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The output explicitly states 'src-dst-ip', not MAC.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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 the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-401 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
EtherChannel — This question tests EtherChannel — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The load-balancing method is based on source and destination IP addresses. — The output shows that both the configured and operational load-balancing method is 'src-dst-ip', which means the switch uses source and destination IP addresses to determine which member port to use for each flow. This is a common and valid method. The correct answer is that the load-balancing method uses both source and destination IP addresses.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-401 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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