The correct answer is that the router will immediately become the active router if it has a higher priority than the current active. This is because the `standby 10 preempt` command overrides the default HSRP behavior, where a higher-priority router will not seize the active role from a lower-priority router that is already active unless the active router fails. Preemption forces an immediate election whenever a router with a numerically higher priority enters the group, ensuring the most capable router always handles traffic. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this concept tests your understanding of HSRP state transitions and the distinction between preemptive and non-preemptive operation—a common trap is assuming a higher priority alone guarantees active status. Remember the memory tip: “Preempt means prompt takeover; without it, priority is just for tiebreakers.”
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.
Examine the following HSRP configuration on a Cisco IOS-XE switch:
interface Vlan10
ip address 10.0.0.2 255.255.255.0
standby 10 ip 10.0.0.1
standby 10 priority 150
standby 10 preempt
What is the effect of the 'standby 10 preempt' command?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The router will immediately become the active router if it has a higher priority than the current active.
The preempt command allows this router to become the active HSRP router if it has a higher priority than the current active router. Without preempt, the router with higher priority would not take over unless the current active fails.
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 router will immediately become the active router if it has a higher priority than the current active.
Why this is correct
Preempt enables the router to take over the active role when it has a higher priority.
Related concept
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
✗
The router will become active only if the current active fails.
Why it's wrong here
Without preempt, that would be true; with preempt, it can take over immediately.
✗
The router will send a gratuitous ARP to update the virtual MAC address.
Why it's wrong here
That happens when a router becomes active, but it is not the direct effect of the preempt command.
✗
The router will lower its priority to avoid becoming active.
Why it's wrong here
Preempt does not change priority; it allows taking over.
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
That happens when a router becomes active, but it is not the direct effect of the preempt command.
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 help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
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.
Cisco DNA Center — This question tests Cisco DNA Center — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The router will immediately become the active router if it has a higher priority than the current active. — The preempt command allows this router to become the active HSRP router if it has a higher priority than the current active router. Without preempt, the router with higher priority would not take over unless the current active fails.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This 350-401 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 350-401 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.