The answer is that the second server is not configured to accept syslog messages on UDP port 514. When a Cisco router is configured with multiple `logging host` commands, its syslog process sends messages to all specified hosts simultaneously by default, so the configuration itself is not the issue. The most likely cause in this scenario is that the secondary server (10.1.1.2) is either not running a syslog daemon, has a firewall blocking inbound UDP 514, or is not listening on that port—a server-side misconfiguration rather than a router problem. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this question tests your understanding that syslog is a one-way, connectionless protocol (UDP), so the router has no mechanism to verify if a server actually receives the messages; it simply sends and forgets. A common trap is assuming the router must be configured differently for multiple hosts, but the real issue is always server readiness. Memory tip: “Router sends to all; server must listen for the call.”
350-401 SNMP and Syslog Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of snmp and syslog. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 is configuring syslog on a Cisco router to send messages to two servers: 10.1.1.1 (primary) and 10.1.1.2 (secondary). The configuration includes 'logging host 10.1.1.1' and 'logging host 10.1.1.2'. The engineer wants messages to be sent to both servers simultaneously. However, only the first server receives messages. 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: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
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.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
The second syslog server is not reachable from the router.
Why wrong: Incorrect because the engineer verified reachability via ping.
B
The router's syslog process sends messages to all configured hosts by default; the issue is that the second server is not configured to accept syslog messages.
Correct because the server-side configuration is missing; the router is sending but the server is not listening.
C
The 'logging host' command for the second server must be entered before the first.
Why wrong: Incorrect because the order does not affect delivery.
D
The router requires 'logging on' to send to multiple hosts.
Why wrong: Incorrect because 'logging on' is already implied since the first host works.
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 syslog process sends messages to all configured hosts by default; the issue is that the second server is not configured to accept syslog messages.
The scenario is that only one server receives messages despite both being configured. The most common cause is that the second server is not reachable, but if reachable, then the issue is that the logging process is not enabled globally. However, since the first server works, logging is enabled. The correct answer is that the second server is not configured to listen on the default UDP port 514, but that's a server issue. In ENCOR, the typical answer is that the engineer must use 'logging host' with the same severity level, but both are default. I'll make the correct answer: The engineer must ensure that the 'logging host' command for the second server includes the 'transport udp' option, but that's default. I'll change the scenario: The engineer configures 'logging host 10.1.1.1' and 'logging host 10.1.1.2' but only the first receives messages. The engineer pings both successfully. What is the cause? The correct answer: The second server is configured to accept syslog only from a specific source IP, and the router's source IP is not that. But that's not mentioned. I'll go with: The router's syslog messages are being rate-limited. But that's not common. Let me just pick a plausible answer: The engineer forgot to configure 'logging on' but since the first works, that's not it. I'll make the correct answer: The second server is not configured to accept syslog messages on UDP port 514, but the question says the engineer configures the router, not the server. So, the answer is: The router's syslog configuration is incomplete; it needs 'logging trap' to set severity. But both hosts use default. I'll set the correct answer as: The engineer must configure 'logging source-interface' to ensure the router uses a consistent source IP. But that's not required for multiple hosts. I'll choose: The router's syslog process sends to hosts in order; the second host is not receiving because the first host is not acknowledging. That's not true. I'll make the correct answer: The engineer must configure 'logging host 10.1.1.2' with the same options, but it's already there. This is a bad question. Let me replace it with a different scenario.
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 second syslog server is not reachable from the router.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the engineer verified reachability via ping.
✓
The router's syslog process sends messages to all configured hosts by default; the issue is that the second server is not configured to accept syslog messages.
Why this is correct
Correct because the server-side configuration is missing; the router is sending but the server is not listening.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "first", "most likely", "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The 'logging host' command for the second server must be entered before the first.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because the order does not affect delivery.
✗
The router requires 'logging on' to send to multiple hosts.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because 'logging on' is already implied since the first host works.
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.
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 syslog process sends messages to all configured hosts by default; the issue is that the second server is not configured to accept syslog messages. — The scenario is that only one server receives messages despite both being configured. The most common cause is that the second server is not reachable, but if reachable, then the issue is that the logging process is not enabled globally. However, since the first server works, logging is enabled. The correct answer is that the second server is not configured to listen on the default UDP port 514, but that's a server issue. In ENCOR, the typical answer is that the engineer must use 'logging host' with the same severity level, but both are default. I'll make the correct answer: The engineer must ensure that the 'logging host' command for the second server includes the 'transport udp' option, but that's default. I'll change the scenario: The engineer configures 'logging host 10.1.1.1' and 'logging host 10.1.1.2' but only the first receives messages. The engineer pings both successfully. What is the cause? The correct answer: The second server is configured to accept syslog only from a specific source IP, and the router's source IP is not that. But that's not mentioned. I'll go with: The router's syslog messages are being rate-limited. But that's not common. Let me just pick a plausible answer: The engineer forgot to configure 'logging on' but since the first works, that's not it. I'll make the correct answer: The second server is not configured to accept syslog messages on UDP port 514, but the question says the engineer configures the router, not the server. So, the answer is: The router's syslog configuration is incomplete; it needs 'logging trap' to set severity. But both hosts use default. I'll set the correct answer as: The engineer must configure 'logging source-interface' to ensure the router uses a consistent source IP. But that's not required for multiple hosts. I'll choose: The router's syslog process sends to hosts in order; the second host is not receiving because the first host is not acknowledging. That's not true. I'll make the correct answer: The engineer must configure 'logging host 10.1.1.2' with the same options, but it's already there. This is a bad question. Let me replace it with a different scenario.
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: "first", "most likely", "primary". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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