Quick Answer
The answer is that the WLAN is missing a security key management (AKM) configuration. WPA3, unlike its predecessors, does not default to a specific AKM protocol; it requires an explicit choice such as SAE (Simultaneous Authentication of Equals) for personal networks or 802.1X for enterprise. Without this, the WPA3 security policy is incomplete, and clients will fail to associate because they have no defined handshake method. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that simply enabling `security wpa3` is insufficient—you must also configure the AKM under `security wpa3 akm` or via the GUI’s key management dropdown. A common trap is assuming WPA3 automatically uses SAE, but the controller requires explicit configuration. Remember the mnemonic: “WPA3 needs its AKM—no AKM, no handshake.”
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of wireless infrastructure. 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.
Given the following WLAN configuration on a Cisco 9800 WLC:
wlan test-wlan 1 test-ssid client vlan VLAN10
no security wpa no security wpa2
security wpa3
no security ft
What is a potential issue with this configuration?
The WLAN is missing a security key management (AKM) configuration.
WPA3 requires an AKM (e.g., SAE) to be configured; the snippet does not show 'security wpa3 akm sae'.
The client VLAN is incorrectly configured.
Why wrong: The client VLAN assignment is valid.
WPA3 is not supported on this platform.
Why wrong: Cisco 9800 WLCs support WPA3.
The SSID name is too long.
Why wrong: The SSID length is within limits.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The WLAN is missing a security key management (AKM) configuration.
WPA3 requires support for 802.11r (Fast Transition) for optimal roaming; disabling it may cause compatibility issues with some clients.
Key principle: A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
The WLAN is missing a security key management (AKM) configuration.
The client VLAN is incorrectly configured.
Why it's wrong here
The client VLAN assignment is valid.
WPA3 is not supported on this platform.
Why it's wrong here
Cisco 9800 WLCs support WPA3.
The SSID name is too long.
Why it's wrong here
The SSID length is within limits.
Common exam traps
A trunk being up does not prove every VLAN is crossing it. Check allowed VLAN lists, native VLAN mismatch, VLAN existence and access-port assignment.
Detailed technical explanation
VLAN questions usually combine access-port and trunking clues. The key is to identify whether the issue is local to one switchport, caused by the trunk, or caused by the VLAN not existing where it needs to exist.
Key takeaway
A trunk being up does not mean the VLAN is allowed across it. Always verify the allowed VLAN list and whether the VLAN exists on both switches.
Real-world example
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
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 350-401 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
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FAQ
Wireless Infrastructure — This question tests Wireless Infrastructure — Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN..
The correct answer is: The WLAN is missing a security key management (AKM) configuration. — WPA3 requires support for 802.11r (Fast Transition) for optimal roaming; disabling it may cause compatibility issues with some clients.
Review VLAN allowed lists, native VLAN mismatch detection, and how to verify VLAN membership with show vlan brief and show interfaces trunk. Then practise related 350-401 questions on switching, trunking, and access-port configuration.
Access ports place end devices into a single VLAN.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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