- A
The WAAS device is not configured with the correct WAN and LAN interfaces.
Why wrong: Incorrect. In inline mode, the WAAS device must have the correct interfaces configured, but the most common issue is the lack of redirection from the router.
- B
The WAN router is not configured with WCCP or PBR to redirect traffic to the WAAS device.
Correct. Without WCCP or PBR, the WAN router will forward traffic directly, bypassing the WAAS device.
- C
The WAAS device is not licensed for optimization.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Licensing issues would prevent optimization, but the traffic would still be intercepted and passed through.
- D
The WAAS device is using a different subnet than the LAN and WAN.
Why wrong: Incorrect. The WAAS device can be on a different subnet as long as routing is correct, but the redirection is the key.
Quick Answer
The answer is that the WAN router is not configured with WCCP or PBR to redirect traffic to the WAAS device. Even when a WAAS appliance is physically placed inline between the LAN switch and WAN router, it relies on the router to actively redirect specific traffic flows toward its interception interfaces; without WCCP or PBR, the router simply forwards packets straight through, bypassing the WAAS device entirely. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this question tests your understanding that inline mode is a physical topology, not a substitute for traffic redirection—a common trap is assuming that placing the device in the path automatically intercepts traffic. Remember the key distinction: inline placement handles the hardware connection, but WCCP or PBR handles the software redirection. A useful memory tip is "Inline is the road, WCCP/PBR is the exit ramp"—without the ramp, traffic never stops at the WAAS device.
350-401 WAN Technologies Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of wan technologies. 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.
A company is implementing a WAN optimization solution using Cisco WAAS. The engineer configures WAAS devices at the data center and remote branch. The WAAS devices are configured to use inline mode. However, the engineer notices that optimized traffic is not being intercepted. The WAAS devices are directly connected to the WAN router and the LAN switch. 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.
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
The WAN router is not configured with WCCP or PBR to redirect traffic to the WAAS device.
In inline mode, WAAS devices must be physically placed in the traffic path. The WAAS device must be configured with the correct WAN and LAN interfaces, and the WAN router must be configured to redirect traffic to the WAAS device using WCCP or Policy Based Routing (PBR). If the WAN router is not configured to redirect traffic, the WAAS device will not see the traffic.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
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 WAAS device is not configured with the correct WAN and LAN interfaces.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. In inline mode, the WAAS device must have the correct interfaces configured, but the most common issue is the lack of redirection from the router.
- ✓
The WAN router is not configured with WCCP or PBR to redirect traffic to the WAAS device.
Why this is correct
Correct. Without WCCP or PBR, the WAN router will forward traffic directly, bypassing the WAAS device.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✗
The WAAS device is not licensed for optimization.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Licensing issues would prevent optimization, but the traffic would still be intercepted and passed through.
- ✗
The WAAS device is using a different subnet than the LAN and WAN.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The WAAS device can be on a different subnet as long as routing is correct, but the redirection is the key.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
- Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
- The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
- Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
- Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
- Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
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 block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 350-401 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
WAN Technologies — This question tests WAN Technologies — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The WAN router is not configured with WCCP or PBR to redirect traffic to the WAAS device. — In inline mode, WAAS devices must be physically placed in the traffic path. The WAAS device must be configured with the correct WAN and LAN interfaces, and the WAN router must be configured to redirect traffic to the WAAS device using WCCP or Policy Based Routing (PBR). If the WAN router is not configured to redirect traffic, the WAAS device will not see the traffic.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related 350-401 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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