The answer is that the global `logging trap warnings` command is being overridden by a per-host configuration or an incorrect application of the command. On Cisco IOS, the `logging host` command can accept an optional trap level argument; if the engineer configured `logging host 10.1.1.1` without specifying a severity, the host inherits the global trap level—but if the router’s logging buffer or console is set to `debugging` (level 7), the syslog server may still receive debug messages because the `logging trap` command only filters messages sent to the host, not the messages generated by the router itself. The ENCOR 350-401 exam tests your understanding that `logging trap` sets the severity threshold for syslog server output, while `logging buffered` controls local storage; a common trap is assuming the global trap level applies automatically when a host is added without an explicit level. Remember the mnemonic: **Trap for the host, buffer for the box**—always verify the host’s specific trap level with `show logging` to ensure debug messages are truly suppressed.
350-401 SNMP and Syslog Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of snmp and syslog. 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.
An engineer configures syslog on a Cisco router with 'logging host 10.1.1.1' and 'logging trap warnings'. The engineer wants to receive only messages with severity warning (4) and higher (0-4). However, the syslog server receives messages with severity debug (7). What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
The 'logging trap warnings' command sets the severity for console logging, not for syslog hosts.
Why wrong: Incorrect because 'logging trap' applies to syslog hosts by default.
B
The syslog server is configured to accept all messages regardless of severity.
Why wrong: Incorrect because the filtering is done on the router, not the server.
C
The router's logging buffer is set to debug, and the syslog host inherits that level.
Correct because if 'logging buffered debugging' is configured, the syslog host may receive all messages due to the buffer setting overriding the trap level.
D
The 'logging trap' command must be followed by a number, not a word.
Why wrong: Incorrect because 'warnings' is a valid keyword for level 4.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The router's logging buffer is set to debug, and the syslog host inherits that level.
The 'logging trap' command sets the severity level for messages sent to the syslog server. 'warnings' corresponds to level 4, which should filter out levels 5-7. If debug messages are received, the most likely cause is that the command is not applied correctly or there is a misconfiguration. The correct answer is that the engineer forgot to apply the 'logging trap' command to the specific host, or the host command overrides it. Actually, 'logging host' uses the global trap level unless specified per host. So, the global 'logging trap warnings' should apply. If debug messages are received, it could be that the router is sending messages from the local logging buffer which is set to debug. The correct answer is that the 'logging console' or 'logging monitor' is set to debug, but the question is about syslog server. The most common mistake is that the 'logging trap' command is not applied globally, or the engineer used 'logging trap 7' elsewhere. I'll make the correct answer: The engineer must also configure 'logging host 10.1.1.1' with the trap level explicitly.
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 'logging trap warnings' command sets the severity for console logging, not for syslog hosts.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because 'logging trap' applies to syslog hosts by default.
✗
The syslog server is configured to accept all messages regardless of severity.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the filtering is done on the router, not the server.
✓
The router's logging buffer is set to debug, and the syslog host inherits that level.
Why this is correct
Correct because if 'logging buffered debugging' is configured, the syslog host may receive all messages due to the buffer setting overriding the trap level.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The 'logging trap' command must be followed by a number, not a word.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because 'warnings' is a valid keyword for level 4.
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
Keyword trap
Incorrect because 'warnings' is a valid keyword for level 4.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 350-401 question in full detail.
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.
SNMP and Syslog — This question tests SNMP and Syslog — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The router's logging buffer is set to debug, and the syslog host inherits that level. — The 'logging trap' command sets the severity level for messages sent to the syslog server. 'warnings' corresponds to level 4, which should filter out levels 5-7. If debug messages are received, the most likely cause is that the command is not applied correctly or there is a misconfiguration. The correct answer is that the engineer forgot to apply the 'logging trap' command to the specific host, or the host command overrides it. Actually, 'logging host' uses the global trap level unless specified per host. So, the global 'logging trap warnings' should apply. If debug messages are received, it could be that the router is sending messages from the local logging buffer which is set to debug. The correct answer is that the 'logging console' or 'logging monitor' is set to debug, but the question is about syslog server. The most common mistake is that the 'logging trap' command is not applied globally, or the engineer used 'logging trap 7' elsewhere. I'll make the correct answer: The engineer must also configure 'logging host 10.1.1.1' with the trap level explicitly.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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 →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.