The answer is the fabric border node. In a centralized policy model for SD-Access, the fabric border node is the only role that can route traffic between different virtual networks (VNs) while applying firewall inspection, because it serves as the gateway connecting the fabric to external networks and can enforce IP-based ACLs or zone-based firewalls on inter-VN traffic. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this question tests your understanding of SD-Access policy models, specifically that centralized policy funnels all inter-VN traffic through a single enforcement point, unlike distributed policy where the control plane node handles it. A common trap is confusing the border node with the control plane node, but remember: the control plane manages mappings, not traffic inspection. Memory tip: think of the border node as the “bouncer” at the only door between VNs—all cross-VN traffic must pass through it for inspection.
350-401 SD-Access Architecture Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of sd-access architecture. 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 company is deploying an SD-Access fabric with a centralized policy model. The design must ensure that all traffic between virtual networks (VNs) is inspected by a firewall. Which fabric role should be used to enforce this inter-VN policy?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Fabric border node
In a centralized policy model for SD-Access, the fabric border node is the correct role to enforce inter-VN traffic policies because it is the only node that can route traffic between different virtual networks (VNs) while applying firewall inspection. The border node connects the fabric to external networks and, when configured with a firewall, can enforce policies such as IP-based ACLs or zone-based firewalls for traffic crossing VNs. This design ensures that all inter-VN traffic is funneled through the border node for inspection, aligning with the centralized policy model where policy enforcement occurs at the network edge.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Fabric border node
Why this is correct
Border nodes can apply policy-based routing to steer inter-VN traffic to a firewall.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Fabric edge node
Why it's wrong here
Edge nodes enforce intra-VN policies but are not designed for inter-VN inspection.
✗
Fabric control plane node
Why it's wrong here
Control plane nodes do not forward traffic and cannot enforce inspection policies.
✗
Fabric WAN router
Why it's wrong here
WAN routers connect to external networks but are not specialized for inter-VN policy enforcement.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that fabric edge nodes enforce all policies, but the trap here is that inter-VN traffic requires a routing point (the border node) to apply firewall inspection, while edge nodes only enforce intra-VN policies like SGT-based access control.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, the border node in SD-Access acts as the default gateway for all VNs and performs inter-VN routing using VRF-lite or VXLAN-to-VXLAN routing. When a firewall is inserted, the border node can be configured to redirect inter-VN traffic to the firewall via policy-based routing (PBR) or by using a firewall as a next hop for specific VN routes. In a real-world scenario, this design is critical for compliance with security policies that require all traffic between guest and corporate VNs to be inspected, ensuring that no traffic bypasses the firewall.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
SD-Access Architecture — This question tests SD-Access Architecture — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Fabric border node — In a centralized policy model for SD-Access, the fabric border node is the correct role to enforce inter-VN traffic policies because it is the only node that can route traffic between different virtual networks (VNs) while applying firewall inspection. The border node connects the fabric to external networks and, when configured with a firewall, can enforce policies such as IP-based ACLs or zone-based firewalls for traffic crossing VNs. This design ensures that all inter-VN traffic is funneled through the border node for inspection, aligning with the centralized policy model where policy enforcement occurs at the network edge.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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