The answer is that the AP will attempt to join the primary controller WLC-1 first. This is correct because the Cisco AP configuration show command output explicitly lists a Primary Controller, followed by a Secondary and Tertiary Controller, establishing a prioritized failover order for high availability. When an AP boots in Local mode, it uses this configured list to attempt a join to the primary controller before falling back to the secondary or tertiary options. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this type of output tests your understanding of AP join process logic and the distinction between Local and FlexConnect modes—a common trap is assuming the AP will load-balance or choose the least-loaded controller, but the priority list is strictly sequential. Remember the memory tip: “Primary first, then secondary, then tertiary—the AP never skips ahead.”
350-401 Wireless Infrastructure Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of wireless infrastructure. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 network administrator issues the following command on a Cisco WLC:
WLC# show ap config general AP-1
AP Name: AP-1
MAC Address: aabb.cc00.0100
Country Code: US - United States
Regulatory Domain: 802.11bg: -A 802.11a: -A
AP Submode: Normal
AP Mode: Local
AP Join Priority: 1
Primary Controller: WLC-1
Secondary Controller: WLC-2
Tertiary Controller: WLC-3
Based on this output, what can be concluded?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
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.
Why wrong: The output clearly shows AP Submode: Normal and AP Mode: Local, not FlexConnect.
B
The AP will attempt to join the primary controller WLC-1 first.
The primary controller is configured as WLC-1, and APs try to join their primary controller first.
C
The AP is in Monitor mode and will not serve clients.
Why wrong: The mode is Local, which serves clients.
D
The AP has a join priority of 1, meaning it is the highest priority.
Why wrong: Join priority is a value used for AP selection, but the output does not indicate it is the highest; typically lower numbers are higher priority, but 1 is indeed high.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The AP will attempt to join the primary controller WLC-1 first.
The output shows the AP is in Local mode (not FlexConnect or Monitor). It has a primary, secondary, and tertiary controller configured, which is typical for high availability. The AP will attempt to join the primary controller first.
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 AP is operating in FlexConnect mode.
Why it's wrong here
The output clearly shows AP Submode: Normal and AP Mode: Local, not FlexConnect.
✓
The AP will attempt to join the primary controller WLC-1 first.
Why this is correct
The primary controller is configured as WLC-1, and APs try to join their primary controller first.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The AP is in Monitor mode and will not serve clients.
Why it's wrong here
The mode is Local, which serves clients.
✗
The AP has a join priority of 1, meaning it is the highest priority.
Why it's wrong here
Join priority is a value used for AP selection, but the output does not indicate it is the highest; typically lower numbers are higher priority, but 1 is indeed high.
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
Command / output trap
The output clearly shows AP Submode: Normal and AP Mode: Local, not FlexConnect.
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.
Wireless Infrastructure — This question tests Wireless Infrastructure — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The AP will attempt to join the primary controller WLC-1 first. — The output shows the AP is in Local mode (not FlexConnect or Monitor). It has a primary, secondary, and tertiary controller configured, which is typical for high availability. The AP will attempt to join the primary controller first.
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: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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