Quick Answer
The answer is 60 seconds. This default applies to all IP SLA operations, including ICMP echo, because the Cisco IOS software is designed to balance network load and measurement granularity; a 60-second interval provides a consistent baseline for latency and reachability monitoring without overwhelming the control plane or generating excessive probe traffic. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this fact often appears in multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge of IP SLA configuration defaults, and the most common trap is confusing the default frequency with the default timeout (which is 5000 milliseconds) or assuming a shorter interval like 10 seconds for ICMP echo specifically. Remember that while you can manually set the frequency to any value from 1 to 604800 seconds, the unmodified default is always 60. A simple memory tip: think of a minute hand on a clock—IP SLA checks once per minute by default.
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of ip sla. 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.
What is the default frequency (in seconds) for an IP SLA ICMP echo operation if not explicitly configured?
10 seconds
Why wrong: 10 seconds is a common user-configured value, but not the default.
30 seconds
Why wrong: 30 seconds is not the default; it is 60 seconds.
60 seconds
The default frequency for IP SLA operations is 60 seconds.
120 seconds
Why wrong: 120 seconds is not the default; it is 60 seconds.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
60 seconds
The default frequency for IP SLA operations, including ICMP echo, is 60 seconds.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
10 seconds
Why it's wrong here
10 seconds is a common user-configured value, but not the default.
30 seconds
Why it's wrong here
30 seconds is not the default; it is 60 seconds.
60 seconds
Why this is correct
The default frequency for IP SLA operations is 60 seconds.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
120 seconds
Why it's wrong here
120 seconds is not the default; it is 60 seconds.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
IP SLA — This question tests IP SLA — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 60 seconds — The default frequency for IP SLA operations, including ICMP echo, is 60 seconds.
Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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.
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