- A
NetFlow records are unidirectional by default.
Correct because NetFlow aggregates packets based on flow keys (e.g., source/destination IP, ports) and records traffic in one direction only.
- B
Sampled NetFlow reduces CPU impact by analyzing only a subset of packets.
Correct because sampled NetFlow (e.g., random sampled) processes only every Nth packet, lowering CPU usage on the router.
- C
Flexible NetFlow can export user-defined flow keys using NetFlow v5 format.
Why wrong: Incorrect because Flexible NetFlow uses NetFlow v9 or IPFIX export formats, not the fixed v5 format.
- D
NetFlow can be used as a replacement for SNMP polling for interface utilization.
Why wrong: Incorrect because NetFlow provides per-flow traffic details, not aggregate interface counters; SNMP is still needed for interface utilization monitoring.
- E
NetFlow v9 supports only IPv4 traffic.
Why wrong: Incorrect because NetFlow v9 supports both IPv4 and IPv6, as well as MPLS and other protocols.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that sampled NetFlow reduces CPU impact by analyzing only a subset of packets. This is true because traditional NetFlow processes every packet traversing an interface, which can overwhelm the router’s CPU on high-throughput links; sampled NetFlow instead examines only one out of every N packets, dramatically lowering processing overhead while still providing statistically representative traffic data. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this concept tests your understanding of NetFlow’s fundamental characteristics, often appearing in a “choose two” format where one distractor claims NetFlow replaces SNMP or that all NetFlow versions are bidirectional. A common trap is confusing unidirectional traditional NetFlow (v5/v9) with the bidirectional flows possible in Flexible NetFlow, but remember that only sampled mode directly addresses CPU load. Memory tip: “Sample to save the CPU—don’t let every packet make you blue.”
350-401 NetFlow and Telemetry Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of netflow and telemetry. 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 two statements about NetFlow are true? (Choose two.)
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
NetFlow records are unidirectional by default.
NetFlow is a Cisco technology that collects IP traffic statistics. Traditional NetFlow (v5/v9) is unidirectional and sampled flow is used to reduce CPU load. Flexible NetFlow allows user-defined keys but still exports in NetFlow v9 or IPFIX format. NetFlow does not replace SNMP; they serve different purposes.
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.
- ✓
NetFlow records are unidirectional by default.
Why this is correct
Correct because NetFlow aggregates packets based on flow keys (e.g., source/destination IP, ports) and records traffic in one direction only.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Sampled NetFlow reduces CPU impact by analyzing only a subset of packets.
Why this is correct
Correct because sampled NetFlow (e.g., random sampled) processes only every Nth packet, lowering CPU usage on the router.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Flexible NetFlow can export user-defined flow keys using NetFlow v5 format.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because Flexible NetFlow uses NetFlow v9 or IPFIX export formats, not the fixed v5 format.
- ✗
NetFlow can be used as a replacement for SNMP polling for interface utilization.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because NetFlow provides per-flow traffic details, not aggregate interface counters; SNMP is still needed for interface utilization monitoring.
- ✗
NetFlow v9 supports only IPv4 traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because NetFlow v9 supports both IPv4 and IPv6, as well as MPLS and other protocols.
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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NetFlow and Telemetry — study guide chapter
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NetFlow and Telemetry practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
NetFlow and Telemetry — This question tests NetFlow and Telemetry — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: NetFlow records are unidirectional by default. — NetFlow is a Cisco technology that collects IP traffic statistics. Traditional NetFlow (v5/v9) is unidirectional and sampled flow is used to reduce CPU load. Flexible NetFlow allows user-defined keys but still exports in NetFlow v9 or IPFIX format. NetFlow does not replace SNMP; they serve different purposes.
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.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on 350-401
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which two statements about NetFlow are true? (Choose two.)
medium- A.NetFlow uses TCP port 2055 for exporting flow records.
- ✓ B.NetFlow v9 is template-based, allowing flexible and extensible flow record formats.
- ✓ C.Sampled NetFlow reduces CPU impact by analyzing only a subset of packets.
- D.NetFlow records include the full payload of each packet.
- E.NetFlow can be used for both IPv4 and IPv6 traffic monitoring.
Why B: NetFlow is a Cisco technology that collects IP traffic statistics and can export them to a collector. Traditional NetFlow uses UDP for export, and sampled NetFlow (sFlow-like) is used to reduce CPU load. NetFlow v9 is template-based, allowing flexible field definitions.
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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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