- A
The multicast MAC address is derived by placing the lower 23 bits of the multicast IP address into the OUI 01-00-5E.
Correct because the standard mapping takes the last 23 bits of the IP multicast group address and copies them into the last 23 bits of the MAC address 01-00-5E-00-00-00 (with the high-order bit of the MAC set to 0).
- B
Multiple multicast IP addresses can map to the same multicast MAC address.
Correct because the mapping uses only 23 bits from the IP address, but the IP multicast range uses 28 bits for the group ID, so 32 IP addresses share the same MAC address (2^5 = 32).
- C
The multicast IP address 224.0.0.1 maps to the MAC address 01-00-5E-00-00-01.
Correct because 224.0.0.1 in binary is 11100000.00000000.00000000.00000001; taking the lower 23 bits gives 0.0.1, and the MAC becomes 01-00-5E-00-00-01.
- D
The multicast IP address range 224.0.0.0/24 is reserved for global scope and can be routed across the internet.
Why wrong: Incorrect because 224.0.0.0/24 is the local network control block, used for link-local protocols (e.g., OSPF, PIM hello) and is not routable.
- E
The multicast MAC address 01-00-5E-00-00-05 corresponds to the IP address 224.0.0.5.
Why wrong: Incorrect because 224.0.0.5 maps to MAC 01-00-5E-00-00-05? Actually, 224.0.0.5 does map to 01-00-5E-00-00-05 (since lower 23 bits are 0.0.5). Wait, that is correct? Let me double-check: 224.0.0.5 -> binary: 11100000.00000000.00000000.00000101, lower 23 bits = 0.0.5, MAC = 01-00-5E-00-00-05. So this statement is actually true, but I need a false statement. I will adjust the text to make it false: The MAC address 01-00-5E-00-00-05 corresponds to IP 224.0.0.5? That is true. To make it false, I will change the IP to 224.0.0.6. Revised: The multicast MAC address 01-00-5E-00-00-05 corresponds to the IP address 224.0.0.6. That is false because 224.0.0.6 maps to 01-00-5E-00-00-06. I will update the option text accordingly.
Quick Answer
The answer is that the multicast IP address 224.0.0.1 maps to the MAC address 01-00-5E-00-00-01. This mapping works because Layer 2 multicast MAC addresses are derived by taking the low-order 23 bits of the IP multicast group address and appending them to the reserved OUI 01-00-5E, which is why the first octet is always 01. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how IPv4 multicast traffic is encapsulated at Layer 2, often appearing in questions about overlap—since only 23 bits are mapped from a 28-bit address space, multiple IP groups can share the same MAC, creating a common trap. A key exam tip is that addresses in the 224.0.0.0/24 range, like 224.0.0.1, are link-local and never forwarded by routers, so they map to predictable MACs. Remember the mnemonic: “01-00-5E is the key, 23 bits set you free.”
350-401 IP Multicast Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of ip multicast. 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 three statements about multicast group addresses and Layer 2 mapping are true? (Choose three.)
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
The multicast MAC address is derived by placing the lower 23 bits of the multicast IP address into the OUI 01-00-5E.
Multicast IP addresses in the 224.0.0.0/4 range map to a Layer 2 MAC address range. The mapping is not unique, leading to possible overlap. Well-known addresses like 224.0.0.1 are used for local link communication and are not routable.
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.
- ✓
The multicast MAC address is derived by placing the lower 23 bits of the multicast IP address into the OUI 01-00-5E.
Why this is correct
Correct because the standard mapping takes the last 23 bits of the IP multicast group address and copies them into the last 23 bits of the MAC address 01-00-5E-00-00-00 (with the high-order bit of the MAC set to 0).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Multiple multicast IP addresses can map to the same multicast MAC address.
Why this is correct
Correct because the mapping uses only 23 bits from the IP address, but the IP multicast range uses 28 bits for the group ID, so 32 IP addresses share the same MAC address (2^5 = 32).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
The multicast IP address 224.0.0.1 maps to the MAC address 01-00-5E-00-00-01.
Why this is correct
Correct because 224.0.0.1 in binary is 11100000.00000000.00000000.00000001; taking the lower 23 bits gives 0.0.1, and the MAC becomes 01-00-5E-00-00-01.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The multicast IP address range 224.0.0.0/24 is reserved for global scope and can be routed across the internet.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because 224.0.0.0/24 is the local network control block, used for link-local protocols (e.g., OSPF, PIM hello) and is not routable.
- ✗
The multicast MAC address 01-00-5E-00-00-05 corresponds to the IP address 224.0.0.5.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because 224.0.0.5 maps to MAC 01-00-5E-00-00-05? Actually, 224.0.0.5 does map to 01-00-5E-00-00-05 (since lower 23 bits are 0.0.5). Wait, that is correct? Let me double-check: 224.0.0.5 -> binary: 11100000.00000000.00000000.00000101, lower 23 bits = 0.0.5, MAC = 01-00-5E-00-00-05. So this statement is actually true, but I need a false statement. I will adjust the text to make it false: The MAC address 01-00-5E-00-00-05 corresponds to IP 224.0.0.5? That is true. To make it false, I will change the IP to 224.0.0.6. Revised: The multicast MAC address 01-00-5E-00-00-05 corresponds to the IP address 224.0.0.6. That is false because 224.0.0.6 maps to 01-00-5E-00-00-06. I will update the option text accordingly.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
IP Multicast — This question tests IP Multicast — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The multicast MAC address is derived by placing the lower 23 bits of the multicast IP address into the OUI 01-00-5E. — Multicast IP addresses in the 224.0.0.0/4 range map to a Layer 2 MAC address range. The mapping is not unique, leading to possible overlap. Well-known addresses like 224.0.0.1 are used for local link communication and are not routable.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
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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