- A
NFV can leverage SDN to dynamically create and manage network paths between VNFs.
Correct because SDN provides programmable network control, enabling automated connectivity between VNFs.
- B
SDN can provide the network abstraction that allows NFV to decouple network functions from underlying hardware.
Correct because SDN abstracts the network, making it easier to deploy VNFs without manual configuration.
- C
NFV and SDN are independent technologies that can be deployed separately or together.
Correct because NFV focuses on function virtualization, while SDN focuses on network control separation; they are not dependent on each other.
- D
SDN is a prerequisite for implementing NFV in any network environment.
Why wrong: Incorrect because NFV can be implemented with traditional networking protocols; SDN is not mandatory.
- E
NFV requires SDN to perform service function chaining.
Why wrong: Incorrect because service chaining can be achieved using other methods such as policy-based routing or MPLS; SDN is not a strict requirement.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that NFV and SDN are independent technologies that can be deployed separately or together. This is because NFV focuses on virtualizing network functions like firewalls or routers into software, while SDN separates the control plane from the data plane to centralize network intelligence. They are complementary but not dependent on each other—NFV can use SDN to provide dynamic connectivity between VNFs, and SDN can supply the network abstraction NFV needs, but NFV works just as well with traditional networking or policy-based routing for service chaining. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this tests your ability to distinguish between the two concepts and avoid the common trap of assuming SDN is a requirement for NFV. Remember the memory tip: “NFV virtualizes the box, SDN centralizes the network—they can work together, but neither needs the other to function.”
350-401 Network Function Virtualization Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of network function virtualization. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 NFV and its relationship with SDN 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
NFV can leverage SDN to dynamically create and manage network paths between VNFs.
NFV and SDN are complementary but independent technologies. NFV focuses on virtualizing network functions, while SDN separates the control and data planes for centralized network control. They can be used together to enhance flexibility and automation. Option A is correct because NFV can use SDN to provide dynamic network connectivity between VNFs. Option B is correct because SDN can provide the network abstraction needed for NFV. Option C is correct because they are independent; one can be deployed without the other. Option D is incorrect because SDN is not a requirement for NFV; NFV can work with traditional networking. Option E is incorrect because NFV does not require SDN for service chaining; it can use other methods like policy-based routing.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
NFV can leverage SDN to dynamically create and manage network paths between VNFs.
- ✓
SDN can provide the network abstraction that allows NFV to decouple network functions from underlying hardware.
- ✓
NFV and SDN are independent technologies that can be deployed separately or together.
- ✗
SDN is a prerequisite for implementing NFV in any network environment.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because NFV can be implemented with traditional networking protocols; SDN is not mandatory.
- ✗
NFV requires SDN to perform service function chaining.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because service chaining can be achieved using other methods such as policy-based routing or MPLS; SDN is not a strict requirement.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-401 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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Network Function Virtualization — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
Network Function Virtualization — This question tests Network Function Virtualization — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: NFV can leverage SDN to dynamically create and manage network paths between VNFs. — NFV and SDN are complementary but independent technologies. NFV focuses on virtualizing network functions, while SDN separates the control and data planes for centralized network control. They can be used together to enhance flexibility and automation. Option A is correct because NFV can use SDN to provide dynamic network connectivity between VNFs. Option B is correct because SDN can provide the network abstraction needed for NFV. Option C is correct because they are independent; one can be deployed without the other. Option D is incorrect because SDN is not a requirement for NFV; NFV can work with traditional networking. Option E is incorrect because NFV does not require SDN for service chaining; it can use other methods like policy-based routing.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 350-401 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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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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