- A
The interface will operate in dense-mode for all multicast groups because no RP is configured.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Sparse-dense-mode allows the interface to use dense-mode only for groups that do not have an RP, but it will attempt to use sparse-mode if an RP is known.
- B
The router will only support IGMPv2, and IGMPv3 queries will be ignored.
Why wrong: Incorrect. The router can still process IGMPv3 reports if received, but it will send IGMPv2 queries. IGMPv3 is not explicitly enabled.
- C
Multicast routing is enabled with distributed switching, and the interface will use sparse-mode if an RP is known for the group, otherwise dense-mode.
Correct. The 'ip multicast-routing distributed' enables multicast routing with CEF-based distributed switching. Sparse-dense-mode adapts based on RP knowledge.
- D
The configuration is invalid because 'ip multicast-routing distributed' is not a valid command.
Why wrong: Incorrect. 'ip multicast-routing distributed' is a valid command on many Cisco IOS-XE platforms to enable multicast routing with distributed switching.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that multicast routing is enabled with distributed switching, and the interface will use sparse-mode if an RP is known for the group, otherwise dense-mode. This is because the `ip pim sparse-dense-mode` command on a Cisco IOS-XE router dynamically adapts the Protocol Independent Multicast behavior: when a rendezvous point (RP) is known for the multicast group, the interface operates in sparse-mode, sending explicit join messages; if no RP is known, it falls back to dense-mode, flooding traffic and pruning where no receivers exist. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this question tests your understanding of PIM mode selection and the `ip multicast-routing distributed` command, which enables CEF-based distributed switching for performance. A common trap is assuming sparse-dense-mode always uses dense-mode first, but the key is that it checks for an RP before deciding. Memory tip: think of sparse-dense as "sparse if RP, dense if not"—the interface is smart enough to choose the right mode automatically.
350-401 IP Multicast Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of ip multicast. 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.
Examine the following configuration on a Cisco IOS-XE router:
ip multicast-routing distributed
!
interface GigabitEthernet0/0 ip address 192.168.1.1 255.255.255.0 ip pim sparse-dense-mode ip igmp version 2
!
Which statement about this configuration is true?
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
Multicast routing is enabled with distributed switching, and the interface will use sparse-mode if an RP is known for the group, otherwise dense-mode.
The 'ip multicast-routing distributed' command enables multicast routing with support for distributed switching (CEF). The interface is configured with PIM sparse-dense-mode, which allows the interface to operate in dense-mode if no RP is known for the group, or in sparse-mode if an RP is known. IGMPv2 is used for group membership.
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 interface will operate in dense-mode for all multicast groups because no RP is configured.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Sparse-dense-mode allows the interface to use dense-mode only for groups that do not have an RP, but it will attempt to use sparse-mode if an RP is known.
- ✗
The router will only support IGMPv2, and IGMPv3 queries will be ignored.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The router can still process IGMPv3 reports if received, but it will send IGMPv2 queries. IGMPv3 is not explicitly enabled.
- ✓
Multicast routing is enabled with distributed switching, and the interface will use sparse-mode if an RP is known for the group, otherwise dense-mode.
Why this is correct
Correct. The 'ip multicast-routing distributed' enables multicast routing with CEF-based distributed switching. Sparse-dense-mode adapts based on RP knowledge.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The configuration is invalid because 'ip multicast-routing distributed' is not a valid command.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. 'ip multicast-routing distributed' is a valid command on many Cisco IOS-XE platforms to enable multicast routing with distributed switching.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Incorrect. 'ip multicast-routing distributed' is a valid command on many Cisco IOS-XE platforms to enable multicast routing with distributed switching.
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: Multicast routing is enabled with distributed switching, and the interface will use sparse-mode if an RP is known for the group, otherwise dense-mode. — The 'ip multicast-routing distributed' command enables multicast routing with support for distributed switching (CEF). The interface is configured with PIM sparse-dense-mode, which allows the interface to operate in dense-mode if no RP is known for the group, or in sparse-mode if an RP is known. IGMPv2 is used for group membership.
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
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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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