- A
The 'show ip cache flow' output shows a high number of active flows but zero export packets sent.
This indicates flows are being created but not exported, likely due to export configuration issues.
- B
The 'show ip flow export' output shows 'Export state: active'.
Why wrong: This indicates normal operation; export is active and sending data.
- C
The 'show ip flow export' output shows 'Export state: idle'.
Idle state means the exporter is not sending any flow data, often due to misconfiguration.
- D
The 'show ip flow export' output shows 'Export packets discarded: 150' with reason 'no route'.
This indicates the router cannot reach the collector, so packets are discarded.
- E
The 'show flow monitor name FLOW-MON cache' output displays multiple flow entries with valid timestamps.
Why wrong: This shows that flows are being cached correctly; export failure would not be visible here.
Three Symptoms of NetFlow Export Failure
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of netflow and flexible netflow. 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.
Which THREE symptoms indicate that NetFlow data export is failing or misconfigured? (Choose THREE.)
Quick Answer
The answer is a 'show ip flow export' output showing 'Export packets discarded: 150' with reason 'no route', alongside 'Export state: idle' and an increasing flow count in 'show ip cache flow' with no export packets. These three symptoms of NetFlow export failure occur because the router successfully captures traffic into its flow cache but cannot deliver the records to the collector—either due to a missing or unreachable next hop (the 'no route' discard) or because the exporter process itself has stopped ('idle' state). On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between normal caching and actual export failure; a common trap is assuming that flows in the cache prove successful export. Remember the triple check: if you see flows growing but no packets leaving, the exporter is idle, or packets are being discarded for lack of a route, export is broken. Memory tip: "Flows up, export down—check the route and the state."
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 'show ip cache flow' output shows a high number of active flows but zero export packets sent.
When NetFlow export fails, the 'show ip cache flow' output will show increasing flows but no export packets. A 'show ip flow export' output with 'Export state: idle' indicates the exporter is not sending data. If the destination collector is unreachable, the router will report 'Export packets discarded' due to no route. Option B is incorrect because 'Export state: active' is normal. Option E is incorrect because 'show flow monitor cache' showing entries means flows are being cached, but export may still fail.
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 'show ip cache flow' output shows a high number of active flows but zero export packets sent.
Why this is correct
This indicates flows are being created but not exported, likely due to export configuration issues.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The 'show ip flow export' output shows 'Export state: active'.
Why it's wrong here
This indicates normal operation; export is active and sending data.
- ✓
The 'show ip flow export' output shows 'Export state: idle'.
Why this is correct
Idle state means the exporter is not sending any flow data, often due to misconfiguration.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
The 'show ip flow export' output shows 'Export packets discarded: 150' with reason 'no route'.
Why this is correct
This indicates the router cannot reach the collector, so packets are discarded.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The 'show flow monitor name FLOW-MON cache' output displays multiple flow entries with valid timestamps.
Why it's wrong here
This shows that flows are being cached correctly; export failure would not be visible here.
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
This shows that flows are being cached correctly; export failure would not be visible here.
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 300-410 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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 300-410 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.
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NetFlow and Flexible NetFlow — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 300-410 question test?
NetFlow and Flexible NetFlow — This question tests NetFlow and Flexible NetFlow — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The 'show ip cache flow' output shows a high number of active flows but zero export packets sent. — When NetFlow export fails, the 'show ip cache flow' output will show increasing flows but no export packets. A 'show ip flow export' output with 'Export state: idle' indicates the exporter is not sending data. If the destination collector is unreachable, the router will report 'Export packets discarded' due to no route. Option B is incorrect because 'Export state: active' is normal. Option E is incorrect because 'show flow monitor cache' showing entries means flows are being cached, but export may still fail.
What should I do if I get this 300-410 question wrong?
Identify which 300-410 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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
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