- A
IPsec tunnel mode encrypts the entire original IP packet and adds a new IP header.
Correct because in tunnel mode, the whole original packet is encapsulated and encrypted, with a new IP header for the tunnel endpoints.
- B
IKEv2 is more secure and supports EAP authentication, unlike IKEv1.
Correct because IKEv2 includes built-in DoS protection, EAP authentication, and is more efficient than IKEv1.
- C
IPsec always uses UDP port 500 for all its traffic.
Why wrong: Incorrect because UDP 500 is used only for IKE negotiation; ESP (protocol 50) and AH (protocol 51) do not use UDP by default.
- D
AH provides encryption of the IP packet payload.
Why wrong: Incorrect because AH provides authentication and integrity, but not encryption; ESP provides encryption.
- E
IPsec operates at Layer 2 of the OSI model.
Why wrong: Incorrect because IPsec is a Layer 3 security protocol that operates at the network layer.
350-401 WAN Technologies Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of wan technologies. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 two statements about IPsec VPNs are true? (Choose two.)
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
IPsec tunnel mode encrypts the entire original IP packet and adds a new IP header.
IPsec can operate in transport mode (protecting payload only) or tunnel mode (protecting entire IP packet). IKEv2 is more secure and efficient than IKEv1. IPsec does not use UDP encapsulation by default; UDP encapsulation is used for NAT traversal. AH provides authentication and integrity but not encryption. IPsec does not operate at Layer 2.
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.
- ✓
IPsec tunnel mode encrypts the entire original IP packet and adds a new IP header.
Why this is correct
Correct because in tunnel mode, the whole original packet is encapsulated and encrypted, with a new IP header for the tunnel endpoints.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✓
IKEv2 is more secure and supports EAP authentication, unlike IKEv1.
Why this is correct
Correct because IKEv2 includes built-in DoS protection, EAP authentication, and is more efficient than IKEv1.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
IPsec always uses UDP port 500 for all its traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because UDP 500 is used only for IKE negotiation; ESP (protocol 50) and AH (protocol 51) do not use UDP by default.
- ✗
AH provides encryption of the IP packet payload.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because AH provides authentication and integrity, but not encryption; ESP provides encryption.
- ✗
IPsec operates at Layer 2 of the OSI model.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because IPsec is a Layer 3 security protocol that operates at the network layer.
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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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
WAN Technologies — This question tests WAN Technologies — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: IPsec tunnel mode encrypts the entire original IP packet and adds a new IP header. — IPsec can operate in transport mode (protecting payload only) or tunnel mode (protecting entire IP packet). IKEv2 is more secure and efficient than IKEv1. IPsec does not use UDP encapsulation by default; UDP encapsulation is used for NAT traversal. AH provides authentication and integrity but not encryption. IPsec does not operate at Layer 2.
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
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