- A
VXLAN encapsulation is used for data plane traffic within the fabric.
VXLAN is the encapsulation used to carry Layer 2 frames over Layer 3 fabric.
- B
Control plane nodes host the LISP mapping database.
Control plane nodes maintain the endpoint ID (EID) to routing locator (RLOC) mapping.
- C
Wireless access points must be directly connected to the fabric edge switches.
Why wrong: Wireless can be integrated using SD-Access Wireless, but APs do not have to be directly connected to fabric edge.
- D
Fabric edge nodes are responsible for connecting the fabric to external networks.
Why wrong: Fabric border nodes connect to external networks, not edge nodes.
- E
The fabric uses VLANs to isolate tenant traffic.
Why wrong: SD-Access uses VRFs and VXLAN network IDs (VNIs) for isolation, not VLANs.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that control plane nodes host the LISP mapping database, and VXLAN is the encapsulation protocol used in the Cisco SD-Access fabric to carry data plane traffic between fabric edge nodes. LISP (Locator/ID Separation Protocol) separates a device’s identity from its location, and the control plane nodes maintain the mapping database that tracks which endpoint identifiers (EIDs) are associated with which routing locators (RLOCs). VXLAN then provides the Layer 2 overlay over a Layer 3 underlay, enabling scalable segmentation and seamless mobility without traditional VLAN constraints. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this distinction between control and data plane roles is a frequent trap—candidates often confuse LISP as a data plane protocol or assume VXLAN handles mapping. Remember: LISP maps, VXLAN encapsulates. A useful memory tip is “LISP maps the who, VXLAN wraps the where.”
350-401 Architecture Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of architecture. 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 are correct about Cisco SD-Access architecture? (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
VXLAN encapsulation is used for data plane traffic within the fabric.
Option A is correct because VXLAN is the encapsulation protocol used in the Cisco SD-Access fabric to carry data plane traffic between fabric edge nodes. VXLAN provides a Layer 2 overlay over a Layer 3 underlay, enabling scalable segmentation and mobility without VLAN limitations.
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.
- ✓
VXLAN encapsulation is used for data plane traffic within the fabric.
Why this is correct
VXLAN is the encapsulation used to carry Layer 2 frames over Layer 3 fabric.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Control plane nodes host the LISP mapping database.
Why this is correct
Control plane nodes maintain the endpoint ID (EID) to routing locator (RLOC) mapping.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Wireless access points must be directly connected to the fabric edge switches.
Why it's wrong here
Wireless can be integrated using SD-Access Wireless, but APs do not have to be directly connected to fabric edge.
- ✗
Fabric edge nodes are responsible for connecting the fabric to external networks.
Why it's wrong here
Fabric border nodes connect to external networks, not edge nodes.
- ✗
The fabric uses VLANs to isolate tenant traffic.
Why it's wrong here
SD-Access uses VRFs and VXLAN network IDs (VNIs) for isolation, not VLANs.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that VLANs are used for fabric segmentation, but the correct answer is VXLAN VNIs; similarly, candidates may confuse the roles of fabric edge and border nodes, thinking edges handle external connectivity.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Cisco SD-Access, the control plane uses LISP (RFC 6830) to map endpoint identifiers (EIDs) to routing locators (RLOCs), while the data plane uses VXLAN (RFC 7348) with a 24-bit VNI for segmentation. A real-world scenario: when a user roams across fabric edge nodes, LISP updates the mapping database instantly, and VXLAN tunnels carry the traffic without requiring VLAN reconfiguration, enabling seamless mobility.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 help-desk technician troubleshoots why a newly connected PC cannot reach shared printers on the same floor. The cable is good, the switch port is active, but the PC is in VLAN 20 and the printers are in VLAN 10. The uplink trunk only allows VLAN 10. A trunk being up does not mean every VLAN crosses it.
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
Architecture — This question tests Architecture — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: VXLAN encapsulation is used for data plane traffic within the fabric. — Option A is correct because VXLAN is the encapsulation protocol used in the Cisco SD-Access fabric to carry data plane traffic between fabric edge nodes. VXLAN provides a Layer 2 overlay over a Layer 3 underlay, enabling scalable segmentation and mobility without VLAN limitations.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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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